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

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(2): The employer did not verify, through a written certification, the identity of the workplace evaluated, the person certifying that the evaluation had been performed, and the date the hazard assessment was done: The employer is failing to protect employees from potential injuries associated with inadequate personal protective equipment. This was most recently evident during the inspection of the flat storage area of the grain handling facility located at 218 South Gibson, Hay Springs, NE 69347, where the employer has employees handling grain and performing tasks without having first conducted a formal evaluation of the work being done and identify the hazards associated with that work and the personal protective equipment necessary to protect the employee. Instances include but are not limited to: i. Employees working around grain dust and the employer never conducted any formal air quality tests to validate that respirators are not necessary and can be used in a voluntary status. ii. Employees climbing a fixed industrial ladder to access the top of the grain bins to open the access hatch, employer mandates a fall arrest harness for working hands free without accessing the tie off point to ensure it meets the 5,000 pounds fall protection requirements. iii. Employees working around loud equipment such as the vac system; the employer mandates and provides hearing protection but has never evaluated the noise level to validate that the hearing protection is adequate.