OSHA Inspection: MORRIS GRANITE COMPANY, INC.

Issued

Feb 19, 2025

Penalty

Initial $3,547 · Current $1,775 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1053(d)(3)(i): Scheduled monitoring option. (i) The employer shall perform initial monitoring to assess the 8-hour TWA exposure for each employee on the basis of one or more personal breathing zone air samples that reflect the exposures of employees on each shift, for each job classification, in each work area. Where several employees perform the same tasks on the same shift and in the same work area, the employer may sample a representative fraction of these employees in order to meet this requirement. In representative sampling, the employer shall sample the employee(s) who are expected to have the highest exposure to respirable crystalline silica.  On or about November 7, 2024, employees performing stone countertop manufacturing were not provided with an initial monitoring to assess their 8-hour TWA exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Employees  cut the stone using an automated CMS machine and then polish the stone with an automatic water delivery system.  Corrected During Inspection.

Issued

Feb 19, 2025

Abate by

Mar 28, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1053(f)(2)(i): Written exposure control plan. (i) The employer did not establish and implement a written exposure control plan that contains at least the following elements:  1. The employer shall establish and implement a written exposure control plan that contains at least the following elements: 2. A description of the tasks in the workplace that involve exposure to respirable crystalline silica; 3. A description of the engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection used to limit employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica for each task; and 4. A description of the housekeeping measures used to limit employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica. 5. The employer shall review and evaluate the effectiveness of the written exposure control plan at least annually and update it as necessary. 6. The employer shall make the written exposure control plan readily available for examination and copying, upon request, to each employee covered by this section, their designated representatives, the Assistant Secretary and the Director.  On or about November 7, 2024, the employer did not establish and implement a written exposure control plan for respirable crystalline silica. Employees cut stone with a CMS machine and then polish the stone to manufacture countertops.   Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c).

Issued

Feb 19, 2025

Abate by

Mar 28, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(e)(1): The employers did not develop, implement, and maintain at each workplace, a written hazard communication program which at least describes how the criteria specified in paragraphs (f), (g), and (h) of this section for labels and other forms of warning, safety data sheets, and employee information and training will be met, and which also includes the following:  On or about November 7, 2024, employees working in proximity to respirable crystalline silica containing materials such as granite stone, were not provided with a written hazard communication program. Employees cut and polish stone containing silica to manufacture countertops.  Abatement certification is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c).