RWS Manufacturing Inc. cited by OSHA – $233,870 in proposed fines levied

Posted on May 24, 2013

New York wood shavings manufacturer fined for
combustible dust, confined space, chemical, mechanical, electrical hazards

OSHA cited RWS Manufacturing Inc. for a total of 28 alleged willful, repeat and serious violations of workplace safety and health standards at its Queensbury manufacturing plant. The company, which makes wood shavings for animal bedding, faces a total of $233,870 in proposed fines.

“The sizable penalties proposed here reflect the breadth and severity of the hazardous conditions found at this plant. Left uncorrected, they exposed workers to the dangers of fires and explosions, engulfment, toxic or oxygen-deficient atmospheres, hearing loss, struck-by injuries, amputation, electrocution, and hazardous chemicals,” said Kimberly Castillon, OSHA’s area director in Albany. “The fact that a catastrophic incident has not occurred does not absolve this employer of its responsibility to reduce and prevent risk and eliminate hazards that could injure or kill its workers.”

Inspections by OSHA’s Albany Area Office found hazardous accumulations of explosive, combustible wood dust on structural supports, pipes, fixtures, ductwork, equipment and floors. Furthermore, workers were allowed to smoke in areas where excessive wood dust and wood shavings were present and the plant’s dust collection system lacked a fully enclosed motor and grounded or bonded ductwork. The accumulation of wood shavings, as deep as 1 foot in some locations, also posed a slip and fall hazard.

Combustible dust is made up of fine particles that present an explosion hazard when suspended in air under certain conditions. A dust explosion can be catastrophic and cause employee deaths, injuries and destruction of entire buildings. Detailed information on combustible dust hazards and safeguards is available at http://www.osha.gov/dsg/combustibledust/index.html.

In addition, the plant did not develop and implement a confined space entry program and provide training, warning signs and retrieval systems to protect workers in confined spaces; workers exposed to excessive noise levels were not provided a hearing conservation program, training, a choice of hearing protection and audiometric testing; respirator users were not provided necessary information; there was a lack of information and training on hazardous chemicals; powered industrial trucks were not inspected and/or were operated by untrained operators; and required guarding and fire watches were not used and maintained when welding near flammable wood shavings. Additional hazards include unguarded moving machine parts, exposed live electrical parts, ungrounded equipment and improperly stored oxygen cylinders.

In total, RWS was issued two willful citations with $107,800 in fines, 25 serious citations with $118,370 in fines and one repeat citation with a $7,700 fine for these hazards. The citations can be viewed online at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/RWS_H.pdf and http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/RWS_S.pdf.

Posted in Combustible Dust, Confined Space, Electrical, Hazard Communication, Machine Safety | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Automotive repair and tire chain faces more than $221,000 in fines

Posted on May 23, 2013

Willful, repeat and serious violations found

A Monro Muffler Brake Inc. facility in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has been cited by OSHA for alleged willful, repeat and serious violations of workplace safety standards. The automotive repair, maintenance and tire company faces proposed fines of $221,100 following an inspection by OSHA’s Concord Office, begun in November 2012, as the result of a complaint.

“Willful and recurring violations suggest a disturbing pattern of noncompliance with safety standards that exist to protect the lives and well-being of a company’s employees,” said Rosemarie Ohar, OSHA’s area director for New Hampshire. “Monro Muffler Brake must correct these hazards and take effective steps to address recurring hazards at all its workplaces.”

The willful citation stems from workers who were exposed to potential electric shock from exposed, energized wires in a restroom. OSHA found that the company did not correct the hazard after knowing of its existence from in-house safety inspections. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health. The proposed penalty for the willful violation is $60,500.

Five repeat citations were issued for defective work ladders, unsecured oxygen and acetylene cylinders, and inadequate eye washing facilities for workers. The proposed penalties for the repeat violations are $143,000.  Four serious citations were issued for obstructed exit routes, improper storage and disposal of combustible material, damaged gas pressure regulators and inadequately grounded electrical equipment. The proposed penalties for the serious violations are $17,600.

The citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/MonroMufflerBrakeInc_755161_0515_13.pdf.

In August 2012, Monro Muffler Brake Inc. reached an enterprise-wide settlement agreement with the department in which it agreed to institute procedures to protect its workers against being crushed or struck by automotive hydraulic lifts. The company agreed to develop and implement an inspection and maintenance program for all automotive lifts at all of its federal OSHA-covered work sites, including periodic inspections by qualified inspectors; procedures to remedy any potentially unsafe conditions; mandatory training for lift operators; and the submission of written compliance reports to OSHA.

Posted in Compressed Gases, Electrical, Fall Protection, Injury Prevention | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Employer Obligations Involving Tornado Preparedness

Posted on May 23, 2013

Most businesses are required by OSHA to have an Emergency Action Plan meeting the requirements under 29 CFR 1910.38. Though Emergency Action Plans primarily involve evacuations, emergency planning for tornadoes involve identifying safe places of refuge for workers, customers, and contractors to go to in the event of tornadoes.

PLANNING

Identify Shelter

Prior to an emergency employers must identify shelter locations. An underground area, such as a basement or storm cellar, provides the best protection from a tornado. If an underground shelter is unavailable, consider the following:

  • Seek a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible
  • Stay away from doors, windows, and outside walls
  • Stay in the center of the room, and avoid corners because they attract debris
  • Rooms constructed with reinforced concrete, brick or block with no windows and a heavy concrete floor or roof system overhead
  • Avoid auditoriums, cafeterias and gymnasiums that have flat, wide-span roofs.

Personnel should also be aware of what to do if caught outdoors when a tornado is threatening. Seek shelter in a basement or a sturdy building. If one is not within walking distance, try to drive in a vehicle, using a seat belt, to the nearest shelter. If flying debris is encountered while in a vehicle, there are two options: 1) staying in the vehicle with the seat belt on, keeping your head below the windows and covering it with your hands or a blanket, 2) if there is an area which is noticeable lower than the roadway, lie in that area and cover your head with your hands.

Accountability procedures

The following steps are recommended to help ensure the safety of personnel if a tornado occurs:

  • Develop a system for knowing who is in the building in the event of an emergency
  • Establish an alarm system to warn workers
    • Test systems frequently
    • Develop plans to communicate warnings to personnel with disabilities or who do not speak English
  • Account for workers, visitors, and customers as they arrive in the shelter
    • Use a prepared roster or checklist
    • Take a head count
  • Assign specific duties to workers in advance; create checklists for each specific responsibility. Designate and train employee alternates in case the assigned person is not there or is injured

EQUIPPING

  • Get emergency supply kits and keep them in shelter locations
  • Learn more about NOAA Weather Radio.

TRAINING AND EXERCISES

  • Ensure that all workers know what to do in case of an emergency.
  • Practice shelter-in-place plans on a regular basis.
  • Update plans and procedures based on lessons learned from exercises.

Planning ahead can make the difference between survival or loss of life.   Take the time and effort to plan, equip, train, and exercise.

For more information, see the preparedness guide [5 MB PDF, 12 pages] developed by NOAA, FEMA and the American Red Cross.

Additional guidance on emergency plans:

Posted in Emergency Action Plan | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

OSHA cites A & B Foundry & Machinery of Ohio

Posted on May 22, 2013

Lack of personal protective equipment among 33 violations found

OSHA has cited A & B Foundry & Machining LLC, of Franklin, Ohio, with 33 health and safety violations, including four repeat violations after an inspection was initiated under the national emphasis program targeting the primary metals industry. Proposed fines total $170,107.

“A & B Foundry & Machining has a responsibility to train and protect workers from known industry hazards, such as exposure to noise, respiratory and machine guarding,” said Bill Wilkerson, OSHA’s area director in Cincinnati. “Programmed inspections help OSHA achieve its goal of reducing worker injuries and illnesses by directing enforcement resources to industries where the highest rates of injuries and illness have occurred.”

Four repeat violations involve failing to provide fire extinguisher, noise and chemical hazards training; perform medical evaluations of workers required to use respirators and to fit-test respirators. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The same violations were cited in 2009.

Twenty-six serious violations include failing to ensure use of personal protective equipment, prevent use of damaged personal protective equipment and conduct annual audiograms. OSHA also found fall hazards, poor housekeeping, inoperative safety latches on crane hoists, lack of machine guarding on multiple machines, electric safety violations, and a failure to train workers on and conduct periodic inspections of energy control procedures. Three other-than-serious violations include not conducting performance evaluations for forklift operators, a partially blocked exit door and lack of certification of a workplace hazard assessment.

The facility employs about 55 workers and, since 2004, four previous inspections have resulted in multiple citations.

The current citations may be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/AandBFoundryMachiningLLC_737142_0514_13.pdf*

http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/AandBFoundryMachiningLLC_736661_0514_13.pdf*

Posted in OSHA, OSHA Inspections, PPE, Respiratory Protection, Safety Culture, Slips/Trips/Falls | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A.W.T. World Trade cited for 28 violations – $119,700 in penalties

Posted on May 17, 2013

Violations included unsafe spray finishing operations at Chicago factory

OSHA cited A.W.T. World Trade Inc. for 28 safety and health violations, including multiple violations of OSHA’s flammable liquids and spray finishing standards. The complaint inspection was initiated at the Chicago printing machinery manufacturer on Nov. 14, 2012. Proposed penalties total $119,700.

“A.W.T. World Trade failed to implement effective measures during the handling of flammable liquids and associated spray finishing operations,” said Diane Turek, OSHA’s area director for the Chicago North Office in Des Plaines. “Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe and healthful work environment. They must provide personal protective equipment and train workers to take precautions to protect themselves from known hazards in their industry.”

A total of 27 serious safety and health violations were cited, including lack of a written hazard communication program; not providing employees information and training on hazardous chemicals present in the work environment; lack of machine guarding; failure to ensure use of eye protection during welding operations; failing to properly secure and store welding gas cylinders and hazards associated with the use and storage of flammables used in spray finishing operations. Additionally, the company was cited for the interior surfaces of the spray paint booth being coated with excessive residues of flammable paints.

Several violations involve respirator protection standards, such as the lack of a written respiratory protection program, failing to select the proper respirator for the hazards present, improper storage and fit, lack of medical evaluations for employees required to wear respirators and failing to train workers in the proper use.

Violations of electrical standards were also cited, including the use of flexible cords instead of fixed wiring, lack of strain relief and obstructing the space around electrical panels. Additionally, one other-than-serious health violation was cited for failing to verify that a required personal protective equipment assessment had been performed through a written certification.

The citations may be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/awt_world_tradeinc_738983_0510_13.pdf.

Posted in Electrical, Hazard Communication, PPE, Respiratory Protection, Welding | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

EH&S Manager Opening Muscle Shoals Alabama

Posted on May 14, 2013

One of our clients has an immediate opening for an Environmental, Health and Safety Manager at their state-of-the-art start up operation in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Education:

Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Safety or Industrial Hygiene, or related field or combination of training, education and experience in a safety professional role.

Experience:

  • In addition to education requirements, 1-2 years’ experience in a safety/environmental professional role in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively deliver training to multiple personnel.
  • Consistent demonstration of the ability to proactively identify potential safety problems or training opportunities, ability to analyze data to determine trends, and ability to develop alternatives and arrive at the optimum approach to mitigate problems or exploit opportunities.

Physical Requirements:

  • Requires ability to read and understand information contained in a variety of documents or displayed on a computer screen.
  • Requires ability to use a variety of office equipment and to operate a computer keyboard to access databases, to send/receive messages, and to prepare documents.
  • Requires ability to attend meetings throughout the site and potentially travel to other facilities, customer and/or vendor locations in the area, as well as some air travel to more distant locations.
  • Requires the ability to communicate with others on the telephone and in one-on-one or group discussions, meetings and presentations.
  • Demonstrated capabilities in computer use including Microsoft full product line.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Position Description:

In support of the facility staff and management, performs technical work in a wide range of environmental, health and safety disciplines to achieve compliance with EH&S standards along with federal and state regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions:

  • Plans and administers EHS programs, and other employee safety procedures.
  • Conducts comprehensive safety audits and inspections and recommends actions for the correction of hazardous situations for compliance with OSHA regulations.
  • Investigates injuries, conditions and incidents that do, or could, involve actual or potential liability.
  • Maintains adequate records of pertinent data and compiles or initiates the compilation of the required reports on individual job occupational injury and illness experience.
  • Plans and coordinates safety and health classes for craft and supervisory employees.
  • Recommends improvements in processes, design, procedures and operating equipment to minimize hazard.
  • Conducts employee training.
  • Provides regulatory interpretation and technical advice.

Submit your cover letter and resume to info@advancedsafetyhealth.com and put “Muscle Shoals” in the email heading.

Posted in Safety Jobs | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

***Attention Kentucky Employers***

Posted on May 14, 2013

Do You Have Adequately Trained First Aid Providers Onsite?

Employers in Kentucky need to be aware that the Kentucky OSHA Standard on Medical and First Aid states that “(1) Employers with eight (8) or more employees within the establishment shall have persons adequately trained to render first aid and adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.  Outside salesmen, truck drivers, seasonal labor, and others who, while performing their duties, are away from the premises more than fifty (50) percent of the time shall not be included in determining the number of employees and that (2) All other employers shall, in the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, have a person or persons adequately trained to render first aid.  Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.”

So, what is the definition of “near proximity”?  OSHA has long interpreted the term to mean that emergency care must be available within no more than 3-4 minutes from the workplace, an interpretation that has been upheld by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and by federal courts.

It is in your and your employees’ best interest to have someone always available on-site to render lifesaving, or at least life-sustaining, techniques until outside emergency personnel arrive on the scene.  Advanced Safety & Health is now making it easier than ever to help you achieve that goal.

On a monthly basis beginning Monday, July 15th, we will be offering an open enrollment Heart Saver CPR, First Aid and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) class.  The cost for this half-day training is $65 per person and certification is valid for two years.  These classes will be held at the Indiana Wesleyan University Louisville Conference Center located at 1500 Alliant Avenue in Jeffersontown, next to Sam’s Club.  For more information, please contact us at Info@AdvancedSafetyHealth.com or call Kathy at (502) 240-6910.  Our calendar has the dates and  allows for on line enrollment.

Posted in Health & Wellness, Safety Training | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

OSHA QUIZ: Can you rely on your client’s Bloodborne Pathogens Program for your employees?

Posted on May 13, 2013

Scenario:  You have been hired as the Human Resource Manager for a company that supplies contract employees to healthcare facilities.  In this position, you also have responsibility for employee safety.  You start investigating what your employer has done previously for employees with regard to the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.  To your surprise, you learn that your employer has relied on its clients to maintain the program as well as to train your employees.  You feel this practice is in error and you approach your boss about this issue.  He is less than enthusiastic about the idea that your organization needs to have a Bloodborne Pathogens Program (BBP) and tells you they have always relied on their client for this and that he has no desire to move forward with program implementation.

Question:  Does your organization need to have a BBP complete with training or can you rely on your clients fulfilling the requirements of the Standard?

Answer:  In OSHA’s Most Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, Question #5 states:  “My company supplies contract employees to healthcare facilities. What are my responsibilities under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?

Answer #5.  OSHA considers personnel providers, who send their own employees to work at other facilities, to be employers whose employees may be exposed to hazards.  Because your company maintains a continuing relationship with its employees, but another employer (your client) creates and controls the hazard, there is a shared responsibility for assuring that your employees are protected from workplace hazards.  The client employer has the primary responsibility for such protection, but the “lessor employer” likewise has a responsibility under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.  In the context of OSHA’s standard on Bloodborne Pathogens, 29 CFR 1910.1030, your company would be required, for example, to provide the general training outlined in the standard; ensure that employees are provided with the required vaccinations; and provide proper follow-up evaluations following an exposure incident.  Your clients would be responsible, for example, for providing site-specific training and personal protective equipment, and would have the primary responsibility regarding the control of potential exposure conditions.  The client, of course, may specify what qualifications are required for supplied personnel, including vaccination status.  It is certainly in the interest of the lessor employer to ensure that all steps required under the standard have been taken by the client employer to ensure a safe and healthful workplace for the leased employees.  Toward that end, your contracts with your clients should clearly describe the responsibilities of both parties in order to ensure that all requirements of the standard are met.”

As you can see, OSHA puts shared responsibility on both parties to assure employees are properly covered and educated.  It will be necessary for your employer to provide initial training and have an effective program in place.  It is also imperative that both parties work together to assure employees are properly trained and protected under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

 

Posted in Bloodborne Pathogens, Lab Safety, Safety Quiz | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Montana wildlife casting agency cited in employee’s mauling death

Posted on May 13, 2013

Employer cited for unrestricted grizzly bear exposure

OSHA has cited wildlife casting agency Animals of Montana, Inc. for two safety violations following an inspection that began after a 24-year-old trainer was mauled to death in November 2012 while cleaning the enclosure of two 500-pound captive-bred grizzly bears at a Bozeman facility that trains captive-bred animals for films, commercials and public appearances.

The company was also cited for one other-than-serious violation involving the failure to report an occupational fatality within eight hours. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

“This is a tragedy that could have, and should have, been prevented,” said Jeff Funke, the agency’s area director in Billings. “The use of a secondary holding area while cleaning cages is standard practice when working with animals capable of being dangerous to workers responsible for their care.”

OSHA cited Animals of Montana for one serious violation for allowing employees to have unrestricted, direct contact with grizzly bears. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

However, according to an article in the Associated Press, Animals of Montana has denied the death was preventable, with owner Troy Hyde insisting that putting trainers inside the cages of predatory animals “is absolutely something we must do.  We work inside a business that’s a highly dangerous business, and everybody that works within this business is very aware of the dangers. Those people don’t understand what we do. We’re not a zoo.”

The two citations carry a total of $9,000 in proposed fines. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Posted in Injury Prevention, OSHA, OSHA Inspections, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fines in Excess of $213,000 for Florida Roofing Company

Posted on May 13, 2013

Willful and Serious Violations Found

OSHA has cited Longwood-based Collis Roofing, Inc. with three willful and one serious safety violation for exposing workers to fall and other hazards while they were performing roofing work at three residential sites in Jacksonville, Oviedo and Palm Harbor. Two inspections were initiated in November 2012 and a third in December 2012 after OSHA inspectors observed employees without fall protection. These inspections were all part of the agency’s local emphasis program on fall hazards in construction. Proposed penalties total $213,300.

Three willful violations, with $210,000 in penalties, involve the employer allowing employees to work on elevated surfaces without fall protection. One serious violation, with a $3,300 penalty, was also cited for failing to inspect a fall harness that had previously been involved in an impact event.

“When fall protection is absent, workers are only steps away from a serious injury or death,” said Teresa Harrison, OSHA’s acting regional administrator for the Southeast. “Employers must ensure that workers have and wear the proper equipment at all times.”

The citations can be viewed at

http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/CollisRoofingInc_769902_0501_13.pdf
http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/CollisRoofingInc_739143_0501_13.pdf
http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/CollisRoofingInc_721522_0501_13.pdf

OSHA has created a fall prevention Web page at http://www.osha.gov/stopfalls with detailed information in English and Spanish on fall protection standards. The page offers fact sheets, posters and videos that vividly illustrate various fall hazards and appropriate preventive measures.

OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health are working with trade associations, labor unions, employers, universities, community and faith-based organizations, and consulates to provide employers and workers, especially vulnerable, low-literacy workers, with education and training on common-sense fall prevention equipment and strategies that save lives.

Posted in Fall Protection, Injury Prevention, OSHA, OSHA Inspections, Slips/Trips/Falls | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment