OSHA Inspection: TRI-STATE CONSTRUCTION, INC.

Issued

Jan 20, 2021

Abate by

Feb 8, 2021

Penalty

Initial $9,557 · Current $7,168 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees, in that workers were exposed to excessive heat while working outdoors.    a) On or about July 22, 2020 at 3000 West School House Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19144 worksite, employees performing carpentry duties outdoors were exposed to excessive heat. Employees worked for approximately 8 hours in temperatures up to 91�F and a heat index that reached 99�F. This exposure contributed to heat stroke and hospitalization for one employee. The employer did not implement a program and procedure to prevent heat-related illness, including training, a work/rest cycle, monitoring employees, adequate breaks, and an effective heat acclimatization program. The condition was noted to occur on or about July 22, 2020.  Feasible and acceptable methods to abate this hazard include, but are not limited to: 1. Develop and implement a written Heat Illness Prevention Plan to include an acclimatization, medical monitoring, training, and heat alert programs.    2. Require and ensure employees to drink water frequently, about 1 cup every 15 to 20 minutes rather than relying on thirst. 3. Monitor the weather through the OSHA heat stress phone application or other weather applications to heat index levels and heat advisories. Use the information to determine appropriate work/rest cycles.   4. Develop, implement and maintain a heat acclimatization program for new employees beginning work in hot environments or employees returning to work from absences of three or more days. 4. Providing a cool, climate-controlled area such as trailers or vehicles where heat-affected employees may take their breaks and/or recover when signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses are recognized. If such an area is not available onsite, shaded areas should be provided. 6. Providing specific procedures to be followed for heat-related emergency situations and procedures for first aid to be administered immediately to employees displaying symptoms of heat-related illness. 7. On days with elevated temperatures, continuously monitor employees for sign and symptoms of heat related illness. Dermal patches can also be used for monitoring core temperature to better identify when workers need to be removed from the work area.  8. Provide personal protective equipment such as cooling rags and hats for working outdoors.

Issued

Jan 20, 2021

Abate by

Feb 8, 2021

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2): The employer did not instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his/her environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury:  a) Tri-State Construction, Inc. site located at 3000 West School House Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19144 - The employer did not provide information or instruct employees on the effects, prevention, recognition, or treatment of heat-related illnesses. The condition was noted to occur on or about July 22, 2020.

Issued

Jan 20, 2021

Abate by

Feb 8, 2021

Penalty

Initial $1,366 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1904.29(b)(1): A Log of all recordable work-related injuries and illnesses (OSHA 300 or equivalent), was not completed in detail as required by the regulation:  a) Tri-State Construction, Inc. site located at 3000 West School House Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19144 - The employer did not accurately describe a work-related illness on the 2020 OSHA 300. An employee suffered a heat stroke and the illness was described as having a hard time breathing.  The condition was noted to occur on or about August 8, 2020.