OSHA Inspection: EL MIRADOR INC.

Issued

May 8, 2024

Abate by

Jun 4, 2024

Penalty

Initial $4,839 · Current $2,300 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.1153(c)(1): For each employee engaged in a task identified in Table 1, the employer did not fully and properly implement the engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection specified for the task on Table 1, unless the employer assessed and limited the exposure of the employee to respirable crystalline silica in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section.  a) On or about February 20, 2024  at 354 Sheridan Rd. Winnetka, IL  60093,  El Mirador Inc. did not fully and properly implement engineering controls and work practices, as specified in Table 1 when using a Stihl TS 500 power cutter saw to cut bricks containing up to 20% of respirable crystalline silica (Quartz) without equipping the tool with a water delivery system that supplies a continuous stream or spray of water at the point of impact or a tool equipped with a commercially available shroud and dust collection system.

Issued

May 8, 2024

Abate by

Jun 4, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.1153(d)(2)(i): 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)(ii) or the scheduled monitoring option in paragraph (d)(2)(iii) of this section:  a) On or about February 20, 2024,  at 354 Sheridan Rd. Winnetka, IL  60093, El Mirador Inc. did not assess the exposure of employees to respirable crystalline silica when cutting bricks containing up to 20% respirable crystalline silica (Quartz).

Issued

May 8, 2024

Penalty

Initial $4,839 · Current $5,000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.1153(g)(1): The employer did not  establish and implement a written exposure control plan that consists of at least the following elements:  (i) A description of the tasks in the workplace that involve exposure to respirable crystalline silica; (ii) A description of the engineering controls used to limit employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica for each task; (iii) A description of the housekeeping measures used to limit employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica ; and (iv)  A description of the procedures used to restrict access to work areas, when necessary, to minimize the number of employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica and their level of exposure.  a)   On or about February 20, 2024  at 354 Sheridan Rd. Winnetka, IL  60093,  El Mirador Inc. did not develop and implement a Silica Exposure Control Plan with an accurate description of all the tasks in the workplace that involved exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Employees were exposed to dust containing up to 20% respirable crystalline silica (Quartz) when cutting bricks.

Issued

May 8, 2024

Abate by

Jun 4, 2024

Penalty

Initial $4,839 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(e)(1): The employer did not develop, implement, and/or maintain at the workplace a written hazard communication program which describes how the criteria specified in 29 CFR 1910.1200(f), (g), and (h) will be met.   a) On or about  February 20, 2024, at the above addressed jobsite, the employer did not develop or implement a written hazard communication program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1200 that describes at least the following:  1) Requirement for labeling of containers of hazardous chemicals: 2) Training of employees; 3) A complete list of hazardous chemicals known to be in the workplace; 4) Methods to inform employees of the hazards of non-routine tasks; and, 5) Methods to inform other employer(s) of material safety data sheets availability; the labeling system and any precautionary measures to protect employees.  Employees were exposed to hazardous chemicals while cutting bricks containing up to 20% silica (quartz).

Issued

May 8, 2024

Abate by

Jun 4, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.1153(i)(2)(i):The employer did not ensure that each covered employee could demonstrate knowledge and understanding of at least the information contained in paragraphs (A) - (F) of this section.  a) On or about February 20, 2024,  at 354 Sheridan Rd. Winnetka, IL  60093,  the employer did not ensure that each employee was trained on the health hazards associated with silica, specific tasks where exposure could occur, protective measures including respiratory protection, work practices, and engineering controls, and the identity of the competent person. Employees were exposed to crystalline silica when cutting bricks containing up 20% crystalline silica (Quartz).