OSHA cited a grain, lumber, and supply company for grain-handling safety violations after corn engulfed an employee clearing clumps in a grain storage bin. First responders were able to rescue the worker. The company faces $69,010 in penalties. OSHA cited the company for two willful and four serious violations for exposing employees to engulfment hazards while walking/working on the grain to make it flow, and allowing employees to enter a grain bin without a body harness and lifeline. The agency also cited the grain-handling facility for exposing employees to fall hazards, and for failing to train employees in grain handling and rescue operations, and provide adequate equipment for rescue operations. OSHA placed the company in the Severe Violator Enforcement Program.
Here is a break down of the citations:
Citation 1 Item 1
Type of Violation: Serious; $2,892
29 CFR 1910.29(b)(2)(i): Mid-rails were not installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking-working surface:
On or about January 23, 2020, the employer did not have mid-rails on the platform located on the outside of bin 20. Employees accessing the platform were exposed to fall hazards of approximately 21 feet.
Citation 1 Item 2
Type of Violation: Serious; $4,048
29 CFR 1910.272(e)(1): The employer shall provide training to employees at least annually and when changes in job assignment will expose them to new hazards. Current employees, and new employees prior to starting work, shall be trained in at least the following:
(i) General safety precautions associated with the facility, including recognition and preventive measures for the hazards related to dust accumulations and common ignition sources such as smoking; and,
(ii) Specific procedures and safety practices applicable to their job tasks including but not limited to, cleaning procedures for grinding equipment, clearing procedures for choked legs, housekeeping procedures, hot work procedures, preventive maintenance procedures and lock-out/tag-out procedures.
On or about January 23, 2020, the employer did not adequately train employees on an annual basis or train employees specific to the hazards associated with the job tasks being performed.
The alleged violations below have been grouped because they involve similar or related hazards that may increase the potential for injury or illness.
Citation 1 Item 3a
Type of Violation: Serious; $4,048
29 CFR 1910.272(g)(3): An observer, equipped to provide assistance, shall be stationed outside the bin, silo, or tank being entered by an employee. Communications (visual, voice, or signal line) shall be maintained between the observer and employee entering the bin, silo, or tank.
On or about January 23, 2020, employees were required to work in silo 20 and the employer did not ensure that the observer was outside the door and able to provide assistance to the employees working in the silo.
Citation 1 Item 3b
Type of Violation: Serious
29 CFR 1910.272(g)(5): The employee acting as observer shall be trained in rescue procedures, including notification methods for obtaining additional assistance.
On or about January 23, 2020, the employer did not train the observer on the rescue procedures to be performed in the event of an emergency.
Citation 1 Item 4
Type of Violation: Serious
29 CFR 1910.272(g)(4): The employer shall provide equipment for rescue operations which is specifically suited for the bin, silo, or tank being entered.
On or about January 23, 2020, the employer unsuccessfully attempted a self-rescue of an employee that was engulfed in grain. The employer did not have suitable rescue equipment to perform a self-rescue.
Citation 2 Item 1
Type of Violation: Willful; $26,987
29 CFR 1910.272(g)(1)(iv): “Walking down grain” and similar practices where an employee walks on grain to make it flow within or out from a grain storage structure, or where an employee is on moving grain, is prohibited.
On or about January 23, 2020, employees were exposed to engulfment hazards while working in silo 20 breaking up and moving grain to make it flow to the silo chute/spout. An employee was engulfed in flowing grain during the operation.
Citation 2 Item 2
Type of Violation: Willful; $26,987
29 CFR 1910.272(g)(2): Whenever an employee enters a grain storage structure from a level at or above the level of the stored grain or grain products, or whenever an employee walks or stands on or in stored grain of a depth which poses an engulfment hazard, the employer shall equip the employee with a body harness with lifeline, or a boatswain’s chair that meets the requirements of subpart D of this part. The lifeline shall be so positioned, and of sufficient length, to prevent the employee from sinking further than waist-deep in the grain.
On or about January 23, 2020, employees entered silo 20 and were walking on stored grain at a depth that posed an engulfment hazard. Employees were not equipped with a body harness and a lifeline exposing them to engulfment hazards.
CLICK HERE for the Citations
