OSHA Inspection: ISLAND STONE, INC.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Jul 10, 2024

Penalty

Initial $2,351 · Current $1,647 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.95(c)(1):The employer did not administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation program as described in 29 CFR 1910.9(c) through (o) whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level of 85 decibels measured on the A scale, or equivalently a dose of fifty percent:  a)  Shop fabrication area:   On or about February 20, 2024, an employee was exposed to noise dose at levels of 89.9% (equivalent to an 8-hour time weighted average TWA of 89.23 dBA) which is 1.79 times the action level of 50% (equivalent to an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA) while conducting dry cutting, wet cutting, dry grinding, and wet polishing of natural stone to manufacture countertops. Results were calculated for a 449-minute sampling period. The employer failed to administer a hearing conservation program to affected employee.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Jul 10, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 8111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.95(d)(1):When information indicated that any employee's exposure equaled or exceed the 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, the employer did not develop and implement a monitoring program:  a)  Shop fabrication area:   On or about February 20, 2024, an employee was exposed to noise dose at levels of 89.9% (equivalent to an 8-hour time weighted average TWA of 89.23 dBA) which is 1.79 times the action level of 50% (equivalent to an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA) while conducting dry cutting, wet cutting, dry grinding and wet polishing of natural stone to manufacture countertops. Results were calculated for a 449-minute sampling period. The employer failed to implement a monitoring program.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Oct 11, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 8111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.95(g)(5)(i):The employer did not establish, within 6 months of an employee's first exposure at or above the action level, a valid baseline audiogram against which subsequent audiograms can be compared:  a)  Shop fabrication area:   On or about February 20, 2024, an employee was exposed to noise dose at levels of 89.9% (equivalent to an 8-hour time weighted average TWA of 89.23 dBA) which is 1.79 times the action level of 50% (equivalent to an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA) while conducting dry cutting, wet cutting, dry grinding, and wet polishing of natural stone to manufacture countertops. Results were calculated for a 449-minute sampling period. The employer failed to provide a baseline audiogram.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Jul 10, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 8111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.95(k)(1):The employer did not institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program:  a)  Shop fabrication area:   On or about February 20, 2024, an employee was exposed to noise dose at levels of 89.9% (equivalent to an 8-hour time weighted average TWA of 89.23 dBA) which is 1.79 times the action level of 50% (equivalent to an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA) while conducting dry cutting, wet cutting, dry grinding and wet polishing of natural stone to manufacture countertops. Results were calculated for a 449-minute sampling period. The employer failed to provide a noise hazard training program.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Oct 11, 2024

Penalty

Initial $4,839 · Current $3,387 Reduced

Hazardous substances 90009130

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(c)(2)(i):The employer did not determine if the voluntary use of a respirator did not in itself create a hazard:  a)	Shop Area:  On or about November 22, 2023, and at times prior to, the employer provided to the employees tight fitting respirators and did not ensure the voluntary use of such respirator did not in itself create a hazard. Employees were overexposed to the OSHA established Permissible Exposure Limit to Silica.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Oct 11, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 90009130

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(c)(2)(ii):The employer did not establish and implement those elements of a written program necessary to ensure that any employee using a respirator voluntarily was medically able to use that respirator, and that the respirator was cleaned, stored, and maintained so that its use does not present a health hazard to the user:  a)	Shop Area:  On or about November 22, 2023, and at times prior to, the employer provided to the employees tight fitting respirators and did not implement elements of a written respiratory program. Employees were overexposed to the OSHA established Permissible Exposure Limit to Silica.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Oct 11, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 90009130

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(h)(2)(i):Respirators were not stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals or  were not packed or stored to prevent deformation of the facepiece and exhalation valve:  a)	Shop Area:  On or about November 22, 2023, and at times prior to, the employer provided to the employees tight fitting respirators and did not ensure respirators were stored to protect them from damage, contamination, and dust. Employees were overexposed to the OSHA established Permissible Exposure Limit to Silica.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Oct 11, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 90009130

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(k)(6):The employer did not provide the basic advisory information on respirators, as presented in Appendix D of 29 CFR 1910.134, in written or oral format to employees who wear respirators when such use was not required by the employer:  a) Shop Area:  n or about November 22, 2023 ,and at times prior to, the employer did not provide training on the tight-fitting respirator used voluntarily and provided by the employer. Employees were overexposed to the OSHA established Permissible Exposure Limit to Silica.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Oct 11, 2024

Penalty

Initial $4,839 · Current $3,387 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1053(c):The employer did not ensure that no employee was exposed to an airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica in excess of 50 mcg/m3, calculated as an 8-hour TWA:  a)Fabricator Area.:  On or about February 20, 2024 , and prior to, the employer exposed employees to respirable fraction crystalline silica quartz at an 8-hour calculated Time Weighted Average (TWA) of  275.43 micrograms per cubic meter of air which is 5.5 times the calculated 8-hour time weighted average PEL of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air  while conducting natural and engineered stone countertop work tasks. Results were calculated for a 444-minute sampling period.   b)Wet Polishing Area.:  On or about February 20, 2024 , and prior to, the employer exposed employees to respirable fraction crystalline silica quartz at an 8-hour calculated Time Weighted Average (TWA) of  85.40 micrograms per cubic meter of air which is 1.7 times the calculated 8-hour time weighted average PEL of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air  while conducting natural and engineered stone countertop work tasks. Results were calculated for a 442-minute sampling period.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Oct 11, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1053(d)(1):The employer did not assess the exposure of each employee who was or may reasonably be expected to be exposed to respirable crystalline silica at or above the action level in accordance with either the performance option in paragraph (d)(2) or the scheduled monitoring option in paragraph (d)(3) of this section:  a)	Shop Area:  On or about February 20, 2024, and at times prior to, the employer exposed employees to health hazards from cutting and grinding stone job tasks that resulted in a silica over exposure to the OSHA established Permissible Exposure Limit and did not ensure an initial assessment of exposure to silica was conducted.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Oct 11, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1053(f)(1):The employer did not use engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica to or below the PEL, unless the employer can demonstrate that such controls are not feasible:  a)	Shop Area:  On or about February 20, 2024, and at times prior to, the employer exposed employees to health hazards from cutting and grinding stone job tasks that resulted in a silica over exposure to the OSHA established Permissible Exposure Limit and did not ensure that all feasible engineering and work practice controls were used to reduce exposures below the PEL.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Oct 11, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1053(f)(2)(i):The employer did not establish and implement a written exposure control plan:  a)	Shop Area:  On or about February 20, 2024, and at times prior to, the employer exposed employees to health hazards from cutting and grinding natural and engineered stone job tasks that resulted in an over exposure to the OSHA established Permissible Exposure Limit and the employer did not establish and implement a written exposure control plan.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Oct 11, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1053(g)(2):Where respirator use was required by this section, the employer did not institute a respiratory protection program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134:  a)	Shop Area:  On or about February 20, 2024, and at times prior to, the employer exposed employees to health hazards from cutting and grinding stone job tasks that resulted in a silica over exposure to the OSHA established Permissible Exposure Limit and did not ensure and institute the required respirator use with a protection program for employees.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Oct 11, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1053(i)(1)(i):The employer did not make medical surveillance available at no cost to each employee, and at a reasonable time and place, for each employee who has been occupationally exposed to respirable crystalline silica at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year:  a)	Shop Area:  On or about February 20, 2024, and at times prior to, the employer exposed employees to health hazards from cutting and grinding stone job tasks that resulted in a silica over exposure to the OSHA established Permissible Exposure Limit and did not provide or offer medical surveillance for employee exposed for 30 days or more per year.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Oct 11, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1053(j)(1):The employer did not include respirable crystalline silica in the program established to comply with the hazard communication standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200):  a)	Shop Area:  On or about November 20, 2024, and at times prior to, the employer exposed employees to health hazards from cutting, grinding, and polishing natural and manmade stone that resulted in an over exposure to the OSHA established Permissible Exposure Limit and did not ensure training on the hazards of silica was provided to employees.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Oct 11, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1053(j)(2):The employer did not post signs at all entrances to regulated areas that bear the following legend:  DANGER  RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA  MAY CAUSE CANCER  CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS  WEAR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION IN THIS AREA  AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY  a)	Shop Area:  On or about February 20, 2024, and at times prior to, the employer exposed employees to health hazards from cutting and grinding stone job tasks that resulted in a silica over exposure to the OSHA established Permissible Exposure Limit and did not ensure signage was posted in regulated areas.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Oct 11, 2024

Penalty

Initial $4,839 · Current $3,387 Reduced

Hazardous substances 90009130

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(e)(1):Employer had not developed or implemented a written hazard communication program included the requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii):   a) Shop Area:  On or about November 17, 2023, and at times prior to, the employer did not provide a written hazard communication program for its employees. Employees were overexposed to the OSHA established Permissible Exposure Limit to Silica.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Oct 11, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 90009130

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(e)(1)(i):The employer did not compile a list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present using a product identifier that was referenced on the appropriate safety data sheet.  a) Shop Area:  On or about November 17, 2023, and at times prior to, the employer did not provide a Chemical Inventory List for its employees. Employees were overexposed to the OSHA established Permissible Exposure Limit to Silica.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Oct 11, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 90009130

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(g)(8):  The employer did not maintain in the workplace copies of the required safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical, and did not ensure that they were readily accessible during each work  shift to employees when they were in their work area(s):  a) Shop Area:  On or about November 17, 2023, and at times prior to, the employer did not ensure Safety Data Sheets were on site and available for its employees for chemicals such as but not limited to natural stone that is being cut, grinded and polished on site. Employees were overexposed to the OSHA established Permissible Exposure Limit to Silica.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

Oct 11, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 90009130

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(h)(1):Employees were not provided effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard that the employees had not been previously trained about was introduced into their work area:  a) Shop Area:  On or about November 17, 2023, and at times prior to, the employer did not provide a training program for hazard communication for its employees. Employees were overexposed to the OSHA established Permissible Exposure Limit to Silica.

Issued

Apr 16, 2024

Abate by

May 7, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 90009130

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.132(d)(2):The employer did not verify, through a written certification, that the required workplace hazard assessment had been performed:  a) Shop Manufacturing Area; On or about November 22, 2023, and times prior, the employer failed to verify that the required workplace hazard assessment had been performed through a written certification that identified the workplace evaluated, the person certifying that the evaluation had been performed, the date(s) of the hazard assessment, and which identified the document as a certification of hazard assessment.