OSHA Inspection: HEREFORD GRAIN CORP

Issued

Jan 26, 2026

Penalty

Initial $4,965 · Current $6,250

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.23(c)(8) The employer did not ensure that the cap (if equipped) and top step of a stepladder that are not used as steps.  On or about July 28, 2025, at silo 114, employees utilized the top step of an A frame ladder as a step while accessing the side hatch of the silo for cleaning and rescue operations.

Issued

Jan 26, 2026

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(c)(11): The employer did not ensure that portable ladders used to gain access to an upper landing surface that have side rails that extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the upper landing surface.  On or about July 28, 2025, at silo 114, employees utilized a ladder that was not extended at least 3 feet above the landing employees were trying to access while accessing the side hatch of the silo for cleaning operations.

Issued

Jan 26, 2026

Abate by

Feb 24, 2026

Penalty

Initial $11,585 · Current $6,250 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:  On or about July 28, 2025, at silo 114, employees entered a grain bin without first generating an entry permit while performing cleaning and rescue operations.

Issued

Jan 26, 2026

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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:  On or about July 28, 2025, at silo 114, employees entered a grain bin without first being provided a hazard assessment while performing cleaning and rescue operations.

Issued

Jan 26, 2026

Abate by

Feb 24, 2026

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:  On or about July 28, 2025, at silo 114, employees entered a grain bin without first performing atmospheric testing while performing cleaning and rescue operations.

Issued

Jan 26, 2026

Penalty

Initial $11,585 · Current $6,250 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.272(g)(2): When entering the grain handling facility bins, silos, or tanks from the top, employees did not wear a body harness with lifeline, or use a boatswain's chair that met the requirements of Subpart D, 29 CFR 1910.28.  On or about July 28, 2025, at silo 114, employees entered a grain bin without first donning body harnesses with lifelines while performing cleaning and rescue operations.

Issued

Jan 26, 2026

Abate by

Feb 24, 2026

Penalty

Initial $11,585 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.272(g)(4): The employer did not provide equipment for rescue operations, which was specifically suited for the bin, silo, or tank being entered:  On or about July 28, 2025, at silo 114, employees entered a grain bin without first being provided rescue equipment while performing cleaning and rescue operations.

Issued

Jan 26, 2026

Abate by

Feb 24, 2026

Penalty

Initial $11,585 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.272(g)(5): The employee acting as an observer for bin, tank, or silo entry operations in the grain handling facility was not trained in rescue procedures, including notification methods for obtaining additional assistance:  On or about July 28, 2025, at silo 114, employees entered a grain bin without first being trained in rescue procedures while performing cleaning and rescue operations.

Issued

Jan 26, 2026

Abate by

Feb 24, 2026

Penalty

Initial $11,585 · Current $6,250 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.272(m)(4): The employer did not implement procedures in the grain handling facility for the use of tags and locks which would prevent the inadvertent application of energy or motion to equipment being repaired, serviced, or adjusted, which could result in employee injury.  On or about July 28, 2025, at silo 114, employees entered a grain bin without first implementing lock-out/tag-out procedures while performing cleaning and rescue operations.