Text For Citation: 04 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: CHEMICAL

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: a) On or about June 29, 1989, and at times prior thereto, at Howard Beef Processors, Inc., East Highway 34, Howard, South Dakota, employees were exposed to potential serious accidents in the workplace due to operations being performed by employees who were under the influence of a controlled substance. Among other method, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is the implementation of a Substance Abuse Program which could include the following essentials: 1) Development and implementation of a formal written Substance Abuse Program. 2) Appointment of a Program Coordinator or an in-plant advisory committee. 3) Coordinate with a local clinic, hospital, or private doctor for screening processes which may include: a) Pre-employment physical with substance testing. b) Cause testing (employees involved in workplace accidents). c) Random, unannounced testing. d) Annual, unannounced testing. 4) Provide training to educate the managers and supervisors for signs and symptoms of substance abuse. 5) Provide employee training on the Substance Abuse Program outlining the employee/employer rights and responsibilities. 6) Provide information to employees for chemical dependency treatment (drugs and alcohol). 7) Implement a written enforcement procedure for repeated cases.