OSHA Inspection: MINN-KOTA AG PRODUCTS

Issued

Apr 21, 2025

Abate by

May 27, 2025

Penalty

Initial $8,276 · Current $5,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(1)(i): The employer did not issue a permit for entering bins, silos or tanks in the grain handling facility before the employees entered the bins, silos, or tanks:  a) On November 22, 2025, at 16581 Highway 13 in Mooreton, North Dakota, an employee entered into the #2 grain bin and standing in grain and using a rebar pole in an attempt to clear or unclog the frozen soybeans in order to get the grain to flow, exposing the employee to caught-in and engulfment hazards.

Issued

Apr 21, 2025

Abate by

May 27, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(1)(iii): The atmosphere within a bin, silo, or tank in the grain handling facility was not tested for the presence of combustible gases, vapors, and toxic agents prior to employee entry:  a) On November 22, 2025, at 16581 Highway 13 in Mooreton, North Dakota, an employee entered into the #2 grain bin and was standing in frozen and clumped up grain in an attempt to clear or unclog the frozen soybeans without first conducting an atmospheric test, the worker was exposed to the potential existence of toxic agents, combustible gases, and/or vapors.

Issued

Apr 21, 2025

Abate by

May 27, 2025

Penalty

Initial $11,585 · Current $7,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(1)(ii): Prior to bin entry, all mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment which presented a danger to employees inside grain storage structures in the grain handling facility were not disconnected, locked out and tagged, blocked-off, or otherwise prevented from operating by other equally effective means or methods:  a) On November 22, 2025, at 16581 Highway 13 in Mooreton, North Dakota, an employee entered into the #2 grain bin and was standing in grain and using a rebar pole in an attempt to clear or unclog the frozen soybeans in order to get the grain to flow, while the gates were open, and conveyor system was running, exposing the employee to caught-in and engulfment hazards.

Issued

Apr 21, 2025

Abate by

May 27, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(1)(iv): The employer did not prohibit "walking down grain" and similar practices where the employee walks on grain to make it flow within or out from a grain storage structure, or where an employee is on moving grain:  a) On November 22, 2025, at 16581 Highway 13 in Mooreton, North Dakota, an employee entered into the #2 grain bin and was standing in the grain in an attempt to clear or unclog the frozen soybeans to get the grain to flow, while the gates were open, and conveyor system was running, exposing the employee to caught-in and engulfment hazards.

Issued

Apr 21, 2025

Abate by

May 27, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(2): Whenever an employee enters a grain storage structure from a level at or above the level of the stored grain or grain products, or whenever an employee walks or stands on or in stored grain of a depth which poses an engulfment hazard, the employees were not equipped with a body harness with lifeline, or a boatswain's chair that meets the requirements of subpart D of this part:  a) On November 22, 2025, at 16581 Highway 13 in Mooreton, North Dakota, an employee entered into the #2 grain bin and was standing in the grain in an attempt to clear or unclog the frozen soybeans, while the gates were open, and conveyor system was running, did not have on a body harness with a lifeline or a boatswain chair that met the requirement of subpart D. The employee was exposed to caught-in and engulfment hazards.