When OSHA comes knocking, you may want to be prepared. If you know an inspection of your facility is coming, take steps to go that extra mile and make sure everything is in place, all safety rules are being followed, and that the place is clean and dry. You may even want to have an attorney present to speak with the inspector. They can go over things with them.
Cooper National Resources, a salt manufacturing plant, was recently inspected in accordance with the agency's complaint process, which started in March. Their facility in Loop, Texas, was cited with 12 safety violations. The plant uses hazardous chemicals such as anhydrous ammonia. They were cited with seven serious violations such as failure to provide process safety information to employees, and failure to ensure that equipment complies with accepted engineering practices.
Some serious violations were also cited. They include things like failing to guard sprocket wheels, chains, and clutch pulleys, failure to identify equipment properly, and not ensuring that cords and cables are connected properly to devices.
They were also cited for not keeping the floors clean and dry, which was stated as a repeat offense, and rendered an $8,400 penalty. Total penalties for the 12 violations totaled $58,100.
The salt manufacturing company has 15 business days to take action on the citations. They can either comply with the citations or request an informal conference with OSHA's director. They also have the option of contesting the citations by having their attorney set up a conference with the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Source: kcbd.com, "Texas salt manufacturing plant cited for safety violations" No Author Given, Aug. 21, 2013
