Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 Hazard:

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): 29 CFR Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to shock and electrocution hazards: The employer is failing to protect employees from shock or electrocution hazards assoicated with unsafe work practices, damaged facility and equipment wiring in an agriculture facility. This was most recently documented on or about September 23, 2021, at a workplace located at 2948 County Road 2425, Higbee, Missouri. Where the employer had employees performing various agriculture tasks while exposed to electrical hazards. Instances of exposure include but are not limited to: (a). Employees are exposed to electrical shock and electrocution hazards while cords were not connected to devices and fittings so that tension would not be transmitted to joints or terminal screws. This was observed on the cord used to power the Aaladin power washer in that the cord had to be turned upside down and held up by the use of straps secured to the circuit breaker panel and the control panel. (b). Employees are exposed to electrical shock and electrocution hazards in that the employer is failing to have employees visually inspect the portable cord and plug connected equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) before use on any shift for external defects (such as loose parts, deformed and missing pins, or damage to the outer jacket or insulation) and for evidence of possible internal damage. The employer failed to ensure that the portable GFCI (attached to cords) were in proper working condition. (c). Employees are exposed to electrical shock and electrocution hazards in that the employer is failing to keep sufficient access and working space was not provided, and maintained about all electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment. (d). Employees are exposed to electrical shock and electrocution hazards in that flexible cords and cables are being run through doorways, windows, or similar openings. (e). Employees are exposed to electrical shock and electrocution hazards in that the employer is failing to have the equipment listed or labeled equipment and was not installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling. (f). Employees are exposed to electrical shock and electrocution hazards in that the employer is failing to close unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings. METHODS OF FEASIBLE ABATEMENT INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: i. The employer shall configure outlets, or install plugs meeting manufacturer's specification, at the facility that will not cause the equipment plugs to have the improper strain on the cords. ii. The employer shall implement a program in which employees visually inspect all portable equipment for defects and shall test equipment prior to use of equipment. iii. The employer shall implement a program to ensure that equipment has adequate working space around all electric equipment and materials are not stored near the equipment which can cause electrocution or fire hazards. iv. The employer shall remove all flexible cords that are being run through doorways, windows, or similar openings. v. The employer shall ensure that all equipment, including breaker panels, are properly listed and labeled to ensure employee safety. vi. The employer shall ensure that there are no unused openings in all cabinets, boxes or fittings.