OSHA issues LOTO citations regarding a ribbon blender fatality

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At 11:57 a.m. on December 27, 2016, an employee, 27 years old, was performing a “salt flush” on line four 2,500 lb. double ribbon mixer. He/she dropped an 80 lb. bag of salt into the mixer.   A coworker walked down to close the mixer trap door, and the deceased employee entered the mixer to retrieve the bag without first locking out the mixer. After the worker entered the mixer, a coworker placed another bag of salt onto the mixer area with the limit switches that indicated that the mixer lids were closed. Because the machine operated via only the emergency stop button, the machine began to operate with the employee trapped inside, killing him/her. The employee was killed from trauma to the chest.  Here are OSHA’s citations, which are being contested…

Violation Summary
  Serious Willful Repeat Other Total
Initial Violations 4 2   1 7
Current Violations 4 2   1 7
Initial Penalty $32,957 $152,098     $185,055
Current Penalty $32,957 $152,098     $185,055

 

Violation Items
# ID Type Standard Curr$ Init$ Contest
1. 01001 Serious 19100023 C01 $6,338 $6,338 07/12/2017
2. 01002 Serious

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.

 $8,873 $8,873 07/12/2017
3. 01003 Serious

1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A)
Each authorized employee shall receive training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, and the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control.

 $8,873 $8,873 07/12/2017
4. 01004 Serious 19100212 A03 II $8,873 $8,873 07/12/2017
5. 02001 Willful

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:

 $76,049 $76,049 07/12/2017
6. 02002A Willful

1910.147(d)(3)
Machine or equipment isolation. All energy isolating devices that are needed to control the energy to the machine or equipment shall be physically located and operated in such a manner as to isolate the machine or equipment from the energy source(s).

 $76,049 $76,049 07/12/2017
7. 02002B Willful

1910.147(d)(4)(i)
Lockout or tagout devices shall be affixed to each energy isolating device by authorized employees.

 $0 $0 07/12/2017
8. 03001 Other

1910.303(e)(1)(ii)
Other markings giving voltage, current, wattage, or other ratings as necessary.

 $0 $0 07/12/2017
Source: https://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/establishment.inspection_detail?id=1199915.015                    

 

 

 

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