Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 001 Hazard:

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): 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 not protected from the hazard of high heat while performing job duties: (a) Kitchen: On or about, and at times prior to, June 20, 2024, employees were exposed to the hazard of high heat from several sources, including hot food preparation equipment, including fryers, ovens, and toasters; hot food holding equipment, including heated water baths, heated cabinets, and heated shelves; hot and humid air being exhausted from cold holding equipment refrigeration units and facility lighting. Employees were observed to be exposed to WBGT (inside) of 88.8 degrees F and Heat Index of 100.4 degrees F while engaged with moderate exertion activities, including food preparation, retrieval of bulk food boxes from storage areas and filling counter customer orders. Heat indexes were documented in the community at 99 degrees F, and, in the kitchen, a wall-mounted thermostat's thermometer read 86 degrees F during this time period. RI Smith Chicken LLC, dba Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1696496, citation number 1, item number 1 and was affirmed as a final order on February 5, 2024 with respect to a workplace located at 539 Smith St Providence, RI 02908.