We have a machine and this machine has a couple of tasks that have been deemed “minor servicing”. As we walk by we see a worker in the machine and no LOTO in place so of course we stop and ask about the situation. We are told the task being done, “XXXXXXXX”, is indeed a “minor servicing” task approved by the safety department. We continue on our way. About 45 minutes later we are on our way back and yet again come upon the same worker in the same machine zone as if he never ended his task from earlier. So inquisitive minds want to know… is he doing the same task as when we walked by 45 minutes earlier? He, in fact, was doing the same task and this task “on average, takes over an hour”. So I ask you, a task that takes over an hour, is it “minor” in your mental image of what OSHA’s minor servicing exception is intended to allow? There is more to this situation, but ultimately the exception was reversed based on the following:
(NOTE for non-members – the exception was reversed based on more facts than time)