OSHA Inspection: HILLS, INC.

Issued

Mar 27, 2026

Abate by

Apr 22, 2026

Penalty

Initial $3,972 · Current $2,185 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.22(a)(2): The floor of each workroom is maintained in a clean and, to the extent feasible, in a dry condition. When wet processes are used, drainage must be maintained and, to the extent feasible, dry standing places, such as false floors, platforms, and mats must be provided.  a. On or about December 10, 2025, in the laboratory area: the employer did not ensure that the area around the Comuli Machine was maintained free of the greasy chemical that leaked from the machine, exposing employees to slip hazards.

Issued

Mar 27, 2026

Abate by

Apr 22, 2026

Penalty

Initial $5,296 · Current $2,913 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(h)(2)(i):Respirators were not stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals or were not packed or stored to prevent deformation of the facepiece and exhalation valve:  a. On or about December 10, 2025, in the laboratory area: the employer allowed employees to wear 3M Half-Face Respirator that were not properly stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, or prevent the deformation of the face piece, exposing employees to respiratory hazards.

Issued

Mar 27, 2026

Abate by

Apr 22, 2026

Penalty

Initial $9,268 · Current $5,097 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.303(b)(1)(i): Suitability for installation and use in conformity with the provisions of this subpart:  a. On or about December 10, 2025, at the laboratory area: employees were exposed to electrical hazards,  in that, materials were stored in front of electrical panels.

Issued

Mar 27, 2026

Abate by

Apr 22, 2026

Penalty

Initial $9,268 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.303(g)(1)(ii):The required working space about electric equipment rated 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground, was used for storage:  a. On or about December 10, 2025, at the laboratory area: employees were exposed to electrical hazards, in that, materials were stored in front of the electrical panel.

Issued

Mar 27, 2026

Abate by

Apr 22, 2026

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(k)(6): The employer did not provide the basic advisory information on respirators, as presented in Appendix D of 29 CFR 1910.134, in written or oral format to employees who wear respirators when such use was not required by the employer:   a. On or about December 10,2025, at the laboratory area: the employer exposed employees to respiratory hazards, in that is not providing the required training prior to initial use.

Issued

Mar 27, 2026

Abate by

Apr 22, 2026

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.157(c)(1): The employer shall provide portable fire extinguishers and shall mount, locate and identify them so that they are readily accessible to employees without subjecting the employees to possible injury.  a. On or about December 10, 2025, at the laboratory area: employees were exposed to fire hazards,  in that, the fire extinguisher is not mounted to the wall.