EPA cites Behr Iron and Metal in Rockford, Ill., for Air Violations
11/09/2016
Contact Information:
Joshua Singer (singer.joshua@epa.gov)
312-353-5069
(CHICAGO—November 9, 2016) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that a notice of violation has been issued to Behr Iron and Metal of Rockford, Illinois, for exceeding the health-based standard which limits air emissions of lead.
EPA required installation of an air monitor at the facility in 2015. Results from the air monitor showed lead emissions on at least seven days from June through August 2016 exceeded the standard for lead in ambient air. Lead in the air poses potential health risks to sensitive populations including asthmatics, children, and the elderly. EPA is taking action now to prevent future violations of the air quality standard.
The company may request a meeting with EPA to discuss the allegations.
For more information about the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Lead: https://www.epa.gov/lead-air-pollution/national-ambient-air-quality-standards-naaqs-lead-pb
EPA Issues Imminent, Substantial Endangerment Order to Nebraska Railcar Cleaning Services, LLC in Omaha, Neb.
11/10/2016
Contact Information:
Angela Brees (brees.angela@epa.gov)
913-551-7940
Environmental News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Lenexa, Kan., Nov. 10, 2016) - EPA Region 7 issued a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Imminent and Substantial Endangerment Administrative Order to Nebraska Railcar Cleaning Services, LLC, in Omaha, Neb., for failure to identify, handle, and dispose of waste that presents a potential danger to public health and the environment.
“The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act helps ensure that companies working with or producing hazardous waste are taking the necessary steps to protect the health of their communities and workers, and the environment,” said Becky Weber, director of the Air and Waste Management Division. “This enforcement action requires Nebraska Railcar Cleaning Services to take immediate action in addressing hazardous waste risks.”
Nebraska Railcar Cleaning Services, with multiple facilities in Omaha, works with waste materials such as crude oil, fertilizer, denatured alcohol, methanol, herbicides and others through its railroad car cleaning business.
EPA estimates the company generates approximately 2,600 kilograms (5,700 lbs.) of solid crude oil, 1,800 kilograms (4,000 lbs.) of liquid crude oil, and an unknown quantity of ethanol and methanol waste per month. These materials and others are highly volatile, as demonstrated by low flash points and a deadly explosion in April 2015 involving these materials.
On-site inspections and information requests indicate that the company continues to improperly manage its hazardous waste, contrary to RCRA requirements. Nebraska Railcar Cleaning Services’ ongoing generation and storage of crude oil and ethanol wastes in open, unmarked containers could lead to fires and explosions, which would also allow benzene, a known carcinogen, to be dispersed into the environment, potentially exposing those who live and work nearby.
To ensure that immediate steps are taken to protect public health and the environment, the administrative order requires the company to engage in comprehensive hazardous waste determinations on its wastes, as required by RCRA, and properly dispose of waste as required by law. It also requires Nebraska Railcar Cleaning Services to provide regular reports of its hazardous waste determinations and disposal practices to EPA Region 7.
If the company fails to abide by the order, civil penalties of at least $14,023 per violation per day may be levied. A copy of the order is available upon request.
LACKAWANNA, N.Y.-- Fire and demolition crews continue to work at the scene of the Bethlehem Steel fire.
Early Friday morning 2 on Your Side spoke to Lackawanna mayor Geoffrey Szymanski. He said that air quality around the site is improving, and is now down to zero. The evacuation order will be lifted at 2pm. The State of Emergency will still be in effect.
Route 5 will remain closed between Ridge Road and Route 179, while firefighters and demolition crews continue to work the scene.
Szymanski also says investigators have ruled out the light bulb theory as the cause of the fire. The actual cause is still under investigation.
Route 5 remains in both directions between Milestrip Road and Ridge Road Friday morning. Officials say they hope to have it reopened sometime Friday afternoon, but Szymanski says one of the structure's walls is buckling and there are fears that it could fall onto the road.
Lackawanna Fire Chief, Ralph Galanti says that two fire crews from Lackawanna and an addition crew from Buffalo are working with a demolition crew to uncover spots that are still burning. As of Friday morning, the fire is under control, but not out. They are also concentrating on demolishing the unstable parts of the 1 million square-foot structure, making it safer for crews to get inside. Officials say there is no way to tell how long fire crews will be at the scene.
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Former steel mill fire prompts evacuation of 300 homes in New York
Published November 10, 2016
Associated Press
LACKAWANNA, N.Y. – Officials have ordered the evacuation of 300 homes downwind of a fire at a former steel mill site outside Buffalo, citing air quality concerns.
Fire crews remain at the smoky scene in Lackawanna on Thursday, 24 hours after the fire started inside a massive building housing several businesses on the former Bethlehem Steel site.
Officials say the blaze is contained but may continue to burn for days in hard-to-reach areas.
Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo visited the site Thursday. Local schools were closed due to smoky conditions.
Families were asked to stay with friends or relatives, or go to shelters at a senior center and the high school.
More than 100 firefighters from Lackawanna, Buffalo and other communities struggled throughout Wednesday to extinguish the blaze. No injuries have been reported.
November 10, 2016
Fuyao America Glass racks up $227K in OSHA penalties
following six complaint inspections at Ohio auto glass plant in 2016
OSHA finds multiple safety issues at plant which supplies major auto brands
MORAINE, Ohio - Workers began making multiple complaints of unsafe working conditions at the Fuyao Glass America Inc. facility in Moraine not long after it opened in October 2015, leading to eight separate federal inspections and $226,937 in proposed penalties for the automotive glass supplier to plant brands such as Audi, Cadillac, Land Rover, Volvo and Volkswagen.
In its inspections at the plant, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA found multiple machine safety violations which expose workers to amputation and other serious injuries, as well as a lack of personal protective equipment, electrical hazards, failing to train workers about hazardous chemicals in use and unmarked exits.
In total, OSHA has cited the company for 23 serious safety violations and one other-than-serious violation.
"Fuyao Glass America needs to protect its workers. Period," said Ken Montgomery, OSHA's area director in Cincinnati. "Since Fuyao began operations in October 2015, we have received multiple complaints and conducted eight inspections at the facility. We found safety and health violations in six of them. OSHA will remain vigilant until this rapidly expanding company protects its workers from serious safety hazards by making needed improvements to equipment, procedures and training. Providing jobs in a community should not come at the expense of workers' safety and health."
Most recently, OSHA cited the company for 11 serious safety violations carrying proposed penalties of $131,836 on Nov. 2, 2016, following two inspections opened in May 2016. The inspections found workers exposed to operating parts of machinery because Fuyao failed to implement energy control procedures and install adequate machine guarding, electrical safety violations and unmarked exits. View citations here.
Fuyao has contested all the following OSHA violations issued this year:
- On Oct. 6, 2016, the agency issued four serious and one other-than-serious violation to the company for lack of personal protective equipment, failing to guard live electrical wires to prevent contact by employees, and improper use of electrical cords. OSHA proposed total penalties of $48,101 for the violations found in two separate inspections. View violations for the inspection opened May 24, 2016 here and Aug. 8, 2016 here.
- On July 27, 2016, OSHA issued three serious citations for lack of exit signs, lighting and exit height and failing to implement an alarm system. OSHA proposed penalties of $21,000. View citations here.
- On July 14, 2016, the company received three serious violations of OSHA's hazards communication standards, which govern the use of chemicals in the workplace, as a result of an April 12, 2016 inspection. The agency proposed penalties of $12,000. View citations here.
- On April 11, 2016, the agency issued two serious violations with proposed penalties of $14,000 for lack of machine guarding and not securing floor openings. View citations here.
Fuyao America Glass currently employs more than 2,000 workers at the Moraine site. The company also operates facilities in Mt. Zion, Illinois; Lake Orion, Michigan; and Greenville, South Carolina.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the Cincinnati Area Office at 513-841-4132.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.
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November 10, 2016
Roofing company cited after 47-year-old laborer
dies after suffering heat stroke on third day on the job
Employee hospitalized with a body core temperature of 107 degrees
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Federal investigators have cited Weathercraft Incorporated, a Jefferson City roofing contractor, after a 47-year-old laborer collapsed on Aug. 17, 2016, and later died after being hospitalized with a core body temperature above 107 degrees.
U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators determined the employee collapsed on his third day on the job while installing roofing materials at Helias High School. The heat index was about 90 degrees when he collapsed. He died of his injuries on Aug. 18, 2016.
On Nov. 2, 2016, OSHA cited his employer, Weathercraft Incorporated, for one serious violation of OSHA's general duty clause following its investigation.
"This tragedy occurred on this worker's third day on the job. His needless death underscores how critical it is for employers to ensure that workers are acclimated to heat conditions. A review of heat-related deaths across industries finds most workers were new to the job and not physically used to the constant heat and sun exposure," said Karena Lorek, OSHA's acting area director in Kansas City. "Workers should have frequent access to water, rest and shade to prevent heat illness and injuries during the hot summer months and during hot indoor conditions and be trained to recognize and respond to the signs of heat-related illness."
In addition to acclimating workers to heat conditions OSHA also recommends employers:
- Train supervisors and other employees in the proper response to employees reporting heat-induced illness symptoms, which includes stopping work, moving to a cool place, and providing help, evaluation and medical assistance.
- Require trained supervisors to go into the field and conduct in-person evaluations of employees complaining of heat-induced symptoms.
- Establish work rules and practices that encourage employees to seek assistance and evaluation when experiencing heat stress symptoms.
Commonly, people believe mistakenly that if they are sweating, they are not in danger of heat stroke. In fact, sweating is no indication that heat stroke is possible. One frequent symptom of heat stroke is mental changes, such as confusion or irritability. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If there is any suggestion of heat stroke, call 911 and institute the other safety measures as quickly as possible. To learn more about heat-stress symptoms see OSHA's Heat Stress Quick Card http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3154.pdf
OSHA's Heat Safety Tool App is available to employers, employees and the public for free download on iPhones and Android phones.
OSHA has proposed penalties of $12,471. View current citations here.
Weathercraft Inc. is a commercial roofing company which provides roof installation and repair services in industrial and commercial markets. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Kansas City Area Office at 816-502-0297.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.
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November 10, 2016
OSHA cites Prinz Grain & Feed of Nebraska in worker's death
after wall of corn debris collapses in grain bin
Nebraska feed company placed in agency's Severe Violator Program
WEST POINT, Neb. - Working to clear crusted corn from the sides of a grain bin, a 52-year-old maintenance employee found himself engulfed in hundreds of pounds of grain, just minutes after the wall of corn collapsed and buried him. Rescued by emergency crews, he died of his injuries two days later.
Federal investigators found multiple violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards for grain handling at Prinz Grain & Feed's facility in West Point.
On Nov. 3, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA cited the animal feed facility for three willful, 15 serious and two other-than-serious violations after its investigation of the May 18, 2016, fatal injury. The agency has placed Prinz in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program, which focuses on recalcitrant employers that endanger workers by committing willful, repeat or failure-to-abate violations.
"An "engulfment" often happens when "bridged" grain and vertical piles of stored grain collapse unexpectedly, as in this tragic case. The density, weight and unpredictable behavior of flowing grains make it nearly impossible for workers to rescue themselves without help. In more than 60 percent of grain engulfments, workers suffer fatal injuries," said Kim Stille, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City. "OSHA urges employers and workers in this hazardous industry to review and implement OSHA's grain-handling standards to prevent injuries and loss of lives."
During its investigation, the agency found Prinz Grain & Feed failed to:
- Issue confined space permits for entry into grain bins and pits.
- Test atmospheric conditions in grain bins and pits before allowing workers to enter.
- Provide training to employees on confined space entry.
- Implement procedures to prevent sudden machine start-up or unintentional operation, a process known as lockout/tagout.
- Provide rescue equipment suited for bin, silo or tanks being entered.
- Train workers in grain handling hazards.
- Issue "hot work" permits.
- Examine powered industrial vehicles prior to use.
- Provide protective equipment for the eyes and face.
- Provide training to employees on the hazard communication standard.
OSHA has proposed penalties of $526,633. View current safety and health citations.
In 2015, the industry reported 22 grain-entrapment cases nationwide. Of those, 4 percent occurred in commercial grain facilities and 82 percent occurred on farms exempt from OSHA compliance. In 2010, 51 workers found themselves engulfed by grain stored in bins, and 26 died - the highest number on record - researchers at Indiana's Purdue University found. Purdue also reported that - of the more than 900 cases of grain engulfments reported since 1966 - 62 percent resulted in worker deaths.
"OSHA has done extensive outreach in the past several years working with leaders, farmers and those employed in the grain and feed industry to increase awareness of hazards in the grain industry and discuss ways to protect workers on the job and prevent these tragedies," said Jeff Funke, OSHA's area director in Omaha. "OSHA is always available to answers questions on how you can protect your workers on the job."
Headquartered in West Point, Prinz Grain & Feed also operates a storage facility in Beemer.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Omaha Area Office at 402-553-0171.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.
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November 10, 2016
OSHA cites wholesale Klosterman Baking Co. after worker suffers amputation
Klosterman Baking Co. co-worker exposed to same hazard just five weeks later
CINCINNATI, Ohio - Just five weeks after a 28-year-old maintenance worker lost part of his right arm in an improperly guarded bread wrapping machine at the Cincinnati-based Klosterman Baking Co., federal safety inspectors investigating the injury found another worker exposed to the same hazard.
On Nov. 3, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration proposed penalties of $146,979 for one willful and two serious violations of safety standards at the Klosterman facility. Inspectors found the large wholesale baking company - with production and distribution operations in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee - continued to allow employees to clean the machine without isolating operating parts, a process known as lockout/tagout.
"A 28-year-old worker suffered a permanent and debilitating injury because his employer failed to follow required safety procedures and isolate energy to this machine before allowing workers to clean it," said Ken Montgomery, OSHA's area director in Cincinnati. "Just as tragic is the fact that the company failed to re-evaluate its machine safety procedures and continued to expose other workers to the same hazard even after this young man lost part of his arm. Klosterman needs to make immediate changes to its safety procedures and protect workers on the job."
Investigators determined the worker was using an air wand to remove bread crumbs from the machine and conveyor belt when he was injured on May 29, 2016, resulting in the amputation of his right arm just below the elbow. Federal safety inspectors found workers cleaning the same wrapper machine on July 7, 2016, without locking out operating parts, exposing them to amputation and other serious injuries, resulting in the willful violation.
OSHA also found the company:
- Failed to conduct periodic inspections of machine lockout/tag out procedures.
- Reduce compressed air for cleaning to 30 pounds per square inch.
View current citations here.
Based in Cincinnati, Klosterman Baking Co. provides bread products to more than 4,000 commercial customers including restaurants, grocery stores, hospitals and schools.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Cincinnati Area Office at 513-841-4132.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.
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November 10, 2016
OSHA finds multiple workers suffer ergonomic
injuries at Excelsior Springs Seating System
Employer name: Magna Seating doing business as Excelsior Springs Seating System
Excelsior Springs, Missouri
Citations issued: Nov. 10, 2016
Investigation findings: The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Kansas City Area Office has cited the manufacturer of automotive seats for one serious health violation of the agency's general duty clause after a May 2016 agency investigation found musculoskeletal disorder injuries. OSHA also issued the company two "Hazard Alert" letters in which the agency raises concerns about possible medical mismanagement by the company. The concerns include denying access to medical care and violating medical restrictions placed on injured employees, as well as tasks on the manufacturing line that cause workers to reach - too high and too low - for prolonged periods of time, which can result in injury.
After reviewing the company's injury and illness logs, investigators found workers suffered musculoskeletal injuries of the hand, wrist and elbow after exposure to ergonomic stressors and risk factors related to tasks such as:
- Repetitive motion in the assembly of automotive seats.
- Forceful exertions and awkward postures.
- Extended reaching too high or too low for prolonged periods of time.
A review of injury logs found the company recorded six musculoskeletal related injuries requiring employee surgery in 2014; 15 in 2015 and one so far in 2016.
Quote: "OSHA's review found multiple reports of hand, wrist, and shoulder injuries related to employees accomplishing tasks that require repetitive motion and awkward posture. Musculoskeletal injuries are among the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time," said Karena Lorek, OSHA's acting area director in Kansas City. "Magna Seating's lost work time rate was more than twice the Bureau of Labor Statistics' industry average. The company needs to improve its ergonomics program to prevent further employee injuries and review its management of employees who suffer work related injuries."
Previous Violations: OSHA has inspected the Magna facility in Excelsior Springs five times since 2007, including this inspection. In December 2015, this facility had an employer reported amputation which resulted in one recordkeeping violation; this inspection resulted in the ergonomics referral. In 2016, two recordkeeping inspections were conducted.
Background: Excelsior Springs Seating System specializes in seat assembly for the automobile industry, and is an operating group of Magna International Incorporated. Specific to seating, the company has manufacturing and assembly plants in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Magna is a leading global automotive supplier across 29 countries with over 152,000 employees, including approximately 250 employees at the Excelsior Springs Plant. The company designs, develops, and manufactures automotive seat systems, to original equipment manufacturers, including Ford Motor Company.
Proposed Penalties: $12,471.
View Citations here.
To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Kansas City Area Office at 816-502-0297.
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