OSHA Inspection: H.B. FULLER COMPANY

Issued

Aug 22, 2025

Abate by

Sep 29, 2025

Penalty

Initial $7,093 · Current $13,000

Hazardous substances 108024602590

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.132(a): Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, were not provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.  Microsphere 2 and 4:  On or about June 3, 2025 through July 9, 2025, employees were exposed to corrosive materials.  Employees were cleaning and washing the drip pan and the pump in microspheres 2-4 from corrosive materials, specifically Microspheres Epoxy Series.  The employer failed to provide protective equipment, such as but not limited to chemical resistant clothing, to employees when exposed to corrosive materials.  Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Aug 22, 2025

Abate by

Sep 29, 2025

Penalty

Initial $9,457 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 108024602590

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1)(i): When the employer had assessed the workplace hazard(s) and determined that hazard(s) were present, the employer did not select and/or use the types of personal protective equipment that would protect the affected employee from the hazard(s) identified. The employer failed to: 1. Select the appropriate PPE identified in the hazard assessment;  2. Communicate selection decisions to each affected employee;  3. Ensure that the selected PPE properly fits each affected employee.  Microsphere 2 and 4:  On or about July 9, 2025, employees cleaning and washing the drip pan and the pump from microspheres 2-4 ,were exposed to respiratory and chemical hazards specifically corrosive materials such as but not limited ND Microspheres Epoxy Series, specifically to their eyes and body. The employer did not select or use the type of personal protective equipment that would protect the affected employee from the hazards identified.   Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Aug 22, 2025

Abate by

Sep 29, 2025

Penalty

Initial $7,093 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 108024602590

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1):Eye and face protection. General requirements. The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.  Microsphere 2 and 4:  On or about July 9, 2025, employees cleaning and washing the drip pan and the pump from microspheres 2-4 ,were exposed to respiratory and chemical hazards specifically corrosive materials such as but not limited ND Microspheres Epoxy Series. The employer did not ensure that exposed employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles and caustic liquids  Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Aug 22, 2025

Abate by

Sep 29, 2025

Penalty

Initial $9,457 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 108024602590

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.151(c):  Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.  Microsphere 2 and 4:  On or about July 9, 2025, employees cleaning and washing the drip pan and the pump from microspheres 2-4 ,were exposed to respiratory and chemical hazards specifically corrosive materials such as but not limited ND Microspheres Epoxy Series. There were no suitable facilities in the vicinity of the microspheres machines to quickly drench the skin of the employees in the event of exposure to corrosive materials.   Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Aug 22, 2025

Abate by

Oct 14, 2025

Penalty

Initial $9,457 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 108024602590

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(h)(1):The employer did not provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new physical or health hazard the employees had not previously been trained about was introduced into their work area:  Microsphere 2 and 4 and Epoxy:  On or about June 3, 2025, employees were exposed to flammable chemicals such as but not limited to ND Microsphere's Epoxy series.  The employer did not ensure effective information and training on hazardous chemicals were provided to employees at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard was introduced into their work area.  Abatement certification is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(c).