OSHA Inspection: ESSENDANT CO.

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-09-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9054.00 · Current $12675.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i): Procedures shall be developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees are engaged in the activities covered by this section:      On or about 26 April 2017, the employer did not ensure the utilization of the established energy control procedures by employees assigned to perform servicing or maintenance on compactors/balers, the machine would be blocked, isolated and rendered inoperable. Employees were exposed to unexpected start-up and release of stored energy (hydraulic ram) while performing servicing or maintenance. Employees were exposed to caught-in/crushing hazards.      Abatement documentation is not required for this item.

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-09-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii): The procedures shall clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques to be utilized for the control of hazardous energy, and the means to enforce compliance including, but not limited to, the following:    On or about 08 February 2017, documented procedures in the employer's lockout/tagout program did not adequately outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques to be utilized for the prevention of unexpected energizing, start-up or release of stored energy. Employees gaining access to equipment, including compactors/balers, to perform servicing and maintenance were exposed to caught-in hazards.      Abatement documentation is not required for this item.

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-09-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9054.00 · Current $2225.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i): The employer shall conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and the requirements of this standard are being followed:    On or about 08 February 2017, the employer did not conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedures at least annually to ensure that the procedures and the requirement of this standard were being followed. Employees utilizing undocumented procedures were exposed to caught-in hazards and amputation hazards.     Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-09-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9054.00 · Current $12675.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i): The employer shall provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program are understood by employees and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls are acquired by employees:     a. On or about 08 February 2017, the employer failed to effectively train employees to identify each potential energy source and isolate those sources during servicing and maintenance operations on equipment, including conveyors, and compactors/balers. Employee(s) were exposed to a caught-in hazard.    b. On or about 26 April 2017, the employer removed a personal lockout device from the plastic compactor near door #10 without first taking the required safety steps to ensure the safety of the authorized person.    This exposed employees to amputation and/or crushing injuries from unexpected start-up of the compactor.     Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-09-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9054.00 · Current $2200.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1): Types of guarding. One or more methods of machine guarding shall be provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks.     On or about 22 February 2017, the employer failed to ensure that guarding was provided to protect their workers from inadvertently contacting rotating conveyor rollers on the:    a. BT209: Trash line, damaged and open drive guard    b. BT209: Trash line, missing bottom hitch roller guard.     Two plates were missing/damaged that exposed rotating parts at the bottom hitch roller and drive mechanism during operation. This exposed the employees to ingoing nip points and caught-in hazards.    Abatement documentation is not required for this item.

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-09-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7243.00 · Current $12675.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(2): Installation and use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling:    On or about 08 February 2017, the employer failed to ensure that flexible power cords and re-locatable power taps were used in accordance with their listing and labeling.  Two cords were "Daisy" chained together in the shipping department to power the following equipment:    a. A computer work station.   b. An industrial printer.   c. 2 Industrial battery backup devices.    This exposed employees to a fire hazard.    Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-09-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv): Unless specifically permitted otherwise in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, flexible cords and cables may not be used:    a. On or about 22 February 2017, through the production area flexible cords were misused as a substitute for fixed wiring. Items plugged into the flexible cords were:  a. A computer work station.   b. An industrial printer.   c. 2 Industrial battery backup devices.     b. On or about 22 February 2017, the employer did not ensure that flexible cords used in the workplace were protected from accidental damage. There were flexible cords running under a rubber mat that employees walk on continuously throughout the day. Employees used the cord to power a electric stapler and other office equipment.     This exposed employees to burns from arcing and electrical fires and also shock hazards    Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-09-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $12675.00 · Current $12675.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.332(b)(1): Employees shall be trained in and familiar with the safety-related work practices required by 1910.331 through 1910.335 that pertain to their respective job assignments:    a. On or about 16 February 2017 and on dates prior, employees were required to work live on electrical equipment up to 480 volts. Employees were required to use a voltage meter to test a 480 volt motor switch plate.      b. On or about 06 March 2017, employees were directed to work in energized 480 volt Motor Control Cabinets (MCCs). Employees were instructed to work inside the cabinets without the adequate personal protective equipment needed to safely perform the task.     The employees were not trained in and familiar with safety-related work practices, such as the use of special precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment (PPE), and insulating and shielding materials. The employees were exposed to shock and arc flash hazards.     Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-09-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.333(c)(2): Only qualified persons may work on electric circuit parts or equipment that have not been deenergized under the procedures of paragraph (b) of this section. Such persons shall be capable of working safely on energized circuits and shall be familiar with the proper use of special precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment, insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools.    a. On or about 16 February 2017 and on dates prior, employees were required to work live on electrical equipment up to 480 volts. Employees were required to use a voltage meter to test a 480 volt motor switch plate.      b. On or about 06 March 2017, employees were directed to work in energized 480 volt Motor Control Cabinets (MCCs). Employees were instructed to work inside the cabinets without the adequate personal protective equipment needed to safely perform the task.     The employee was not trained in and familiar with safety-related work practices such as the use of special precautionary techniques, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and insulating and shielding materials. The employee was exposed to shock hazards.    Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-09-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.334(c)(1): Only qualified persons may perform testing work on electric circuits or equipment.     a. On or about 16 February 2017 and on dates prior, employees were required to work live on electrical equipment up to 480 volts. Employees were required to use a voltage meter to test a 480 volt motor switch plate.    b. On or about 06 March 2017, employees were directed to work in energized 480 volt Motor Control Cabinets (MCCs). Employees were instructed to work inside the cabinets without the adequate personal protective equipment needed to safely perform the task.     Employees were exposed to shock hazards.    Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-08-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $12675.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.333(a): Safety-related work practices shall be employed to prevent electric shock or other injuries resulting from either direct or indirect electrical contacts, when work is performed near or on equipment or circuits which are or may be energized. The specific safety-related work practices shall be consistent with the nature and extent of the associated electrical hazards.     a. On or about 16 February 2017 and on dates prior, employees were required to work live on electrical equipment up to 480 volts. Employees were required to use a voltage meter to test a 480 volt motor switch plate.    b. On or about 06 March 2017, employees were directed to work in energized 480 volt Motor Control Cabinets (MCCs). Employees were instructed to work inside the cabinets without the adequate personal protective equipment needed to safely perform the task.    Electrically insulated rubber gloves were not provided to prevent direct or indirect contract with live electrical parts. Employees were exposed to electrocution and shock hazards.    Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-08-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.333(b)(2)(i): The employer shall maintain a written copy of the procedures outlined in paragraph (b)(2) and shall make it available for inspection by employees and by the Assistant Secretary of Labor and his or her authorized representatives.     The employer did not maintain written procedures to ensure parts were de-energized, locked out and tagged in accordance with paragraph (b).     a. On or about 16 February 2017 and on dates prior, employees were required to work live on electrical equipment up to 480 volts. Employees were required to use a voltage meter to test a 480 volt motor switch plate.    b. On or about 06 March 2017, employees were directed to work in energized 480 volt Motor Control Cabinets (MCCs). Employees were instructed to work inside the cabinets without the adequate lockout procedures for electrical safety needed to safely perform the task.     This exposed employee(s) assigned to perform work on up to 480v circuits to electric shock, and electrocution.     Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-09-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $12675.00 · Current $12675.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.335(a)(1)(i): Employees working in areas where there are potential electrical hazards shall be provided with, and shall use, electrical protective equipment that is appropriate for the specific parts of the body to be protected and for the work to be performed.    The employer failed to provide electrical protective equipment for the employees to use when they were assigned tasks in areas where they have the potential to come into contact with energized equipment.    a. On or about 16 February 2017 and on dates prior, employees were required to work live on electrical equipment up to 480 volts. Employees were required to use a voltage meter to test a 480 volt motor switch plate.    b. On or about 06 March 2017, employees were directed to work in energized 480 volt Motor Control Cabinets (MCCs). Employees were instructed to work inside the cabinets without the adequate personal protective equipment needed to safely perform the task.     Employees did not wear appropriate electrical protective equipment, including but not limited to the following, to protect against electrical shock injuries:      a) Rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors.      b) Arc-Rated clothing such as arc-rated long-sleeve shirt and pants, or arc-rated coverall.      c) Hearing protection (canal inserts).      d) Arc-Rated flash suit, hood or balaclava.      Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-08-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.335(a)(1)(iv): Employees shall wear nonconductive head protection wherever there is a danger of head injury from electric shock or burns due to contact with exposed energized parts.  Maintenance employee(s) did not wear nonconductive head protection, such as a hard hat with dielectric properties to protect against electrical shock or injuries in case of contact with energized equipment.  a. On or about 16 February 2017 and on dates prior, employees were required to work live on electrical equipment up to 480 volts. Employees were required to use a voltage meter to test a 480 volt motor switch plate.  b. On or about 06 March 2017, employees were directed to work in energized 480 volt Motor Control Cabinets (MCCs). Employees were instructed to work inside the cabinets without the adequate personal protective equipment needed to safely perform the task.  This exposed employees to shock hazards.  Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-08-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.335(a)(1)(v): Employees shall wear protective equipment for the eyes or face wherever there is danger of injury to the eyes or face from electric arcs or flashes or from flying objects resulting from electrical explosion.  Maintenance employee(s) did not wear appropriate protective equipment, such as safety glasses and an arc-rated face shield, to protect the eyes and face against electrical arc flash/blast injuries.  a. On or about 16 February 2017 and on dates prior, employees were required to work live on electrical equipment up to 480 volts. Employees were required to use a voltage meter to test a 480 volt motor switch plate.  b. On or about 06 March 2017, employees were directed to work in energized 480 volt Motor Control Cabinets (MCCs). Employees were instructed to work inside the cabinets without the adequate personal protective equipment needed to safely perform the task.   Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-08-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9054.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1): The employer shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE):    On or about 08 February 2017, the employer failed to assess the workplace for hazards that necessitated the use of personal protective equipment including arc resistant apparel, head and face protection. Employees working in low overhead clearance areas, using portable grinders, and performing electrical troubleshooting were exposed to injury.    Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-09-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7243.00 · Current $2200.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(2)(iii): The employer did not provide information to the employees as to the location and availability of the written hazard communication program, and material safety data sheets required by 29 CFR 1910.1200:    On or about 08 February 2017, the employer failed to adequately inform employees about the location and availability of Safety Data Sheets. The employees were exposed to hazardous chemicals without access to information of how to protect themselves.    Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.110(f)(2)(iii): Container valves in storage were not protected as required by 1910.110(f)(2)(iii)(a)-(b):  On or about 08 February 2017, the employer failed to ensure containers of propane were properly stored to minimize the exposure to physical damage and/or tampering by unauthorized persons.  Valve/burner tips were exposed to being struck if the container was dropped onto a flat surface. Employees were exposed to a fire hazard in the event of an explosion.  Abatement is not required for this item.

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(a)(6): The user shall see that all nameplates and markings are in place and are maintained in a legible condition:  On or about 08 February, 2017, the employer failed to ensure that all Powered Industrial Vehicles used in material handling operations and lifting employees, had the required nameplates and or markings maintained in a legible condition. Nameplates were covered up with stickers and other non-related papers. This exposed employees to a struck by hazard.   Abatement is not required for this item.

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(7)(i): Unused openings in boxes, raceways, auxiliary gutters, cabinets, equipment cases, or housings shall be effectively closed to afford protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the equipment.  On or about 08 February 2017, the employer failed to adequately close unused openings in electrical enclosures and employees working in the following areas were exposed to injury from fire and electric shock:  a. Northeast cardboard compactor, next to a walk way energized 120V wires are exposed by the unit located next to a disconnect switch. Energized wires were hanging where employees could come into contact.    b. Box bypass conveyor (from module #1 - module #3)  the electrical box next to a computer workstation had a missing knock out with exposed energized wiring.   c.  Packing lane #2, near the tape machine the electrical box on West conveyor frame has a missing knock out exposing energized electrical wiring. Operators move and feed boxes on the conveyor leaning against the electrical box.   d. Packing lane #3 under tape machine  the electrical box has a missing knockout with exposed electric wiring. Operators stand by the subject electrical box and keep sort supplies under this conveyor. Employees plug in a fan cord into the box.   e. West compactor branch circuit disconnect at door #11. Missing knockout on top with exposed energized wiring. This exposed employees to a shock hazard from inadvertent contact with live parts.  Abatement documentation is not required for this item.

Issued

2017-07-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(f)(2): Services, feeders, and branch circuits. Each service, feeder, and branch circuit, at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device, shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose, unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident:  On or about 22 February 2017, the employer failed to adequately mark branch circuit disconnects to indicate their intended purpose at Module #2 west side at aisle #20 and Aisle #52. These branch circuit disconnects control the roof exhaust fans. There are numerous disconnects throughout the facility that are not marked. This exposed employees to a shock or struck-by hazard due to employees not knowing what disconnects to turn off in case of maintenance or emergency.   Abatement is not required for this item.