Violation Detail
Standard Cited: 5A0001 OSH Act General Duty Paragraph
Inspection Nr: 123630444
Citation: 01001
Citation Type: Serious
Abatement Date: 12/18/2000 I
Initial Penalty: $1,500.00
Current Penalty: $750.00
Issuance Date: 12/13/2000
Nr Instances: 1
Nr Exposed: 3
Related Event Code (REC):
Gravity: 10
Report ID: 0626700
Contest Date:
Final Order:
Emphasis:
| Type | Latest Event | Event Date | Penalty | Abatement Due Date | Citation Type | Failure to Abate Inspection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penalty | I: Informal Settlement | 01/04/2001 | $750.00 | 12/18/2000 | Serious | |
| Penalty | Z: Issued | 12/13/2000 | $1,500.00 | 12/18/2000 | Serious |
Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: HEAT
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: a)excessive heat and humidity with only a 30 minute lunch break in an eight hour shift. The work load performed by the worker was determined to be rated at heavy continuous, since the worker was required to walk, pick up and remove trash from the roadside easement in preparation for mowing. On the day of the accident, temperatures ranged from a low of 72 degrees(F) and a high of 92 degrees(F), with a heat index of 102 degrees(F), according to the National Weather Service. While working on June 19, 2000 at 3:00 p.m., a 16 year old male died. The Autopsy Report from Harris County Medical Examiners Office cited the cause of death in part was due to environmental heat exposure or heat stress. The investigation revealed that no heat stress program existed at the company. NIOSH recommends 25work, 75rest each hour for the temperature ranges reported on the day of the accident. Feasible and Acceptable Abatement Methods to correct this hazard include: (a) Establishing provisions for a work/rest regimen so that exposure time to high temperatures are decreased and/or work rate is decreased and/or rest periods are increased in length and frequency. (b) Providing adequate amounts of cool potable drinking water/electrolyte solution in the work areas for employees and encourage employees to drink frequently. (c) Provide a cool area for heat affected employees to rest and cool down when taking a break or eating lunch. (d) Develop a heat stress program which incorporates the following: 1) a training program informing employees about the effects of heat stress, recognition of heat-related illness symptoms, and prevention methods of heat-induced illnesses; 2) a screening program to identify health conditions aggravated by elevated temperatures; 3) an acclimation program for new employees or employees returning to work from absences of three or more days; 4) specific procedures to be followed for heat- related emergency situations; 5) provisions that first aid be immediately administered to employees displaying symptoms of heat-related illness.
Translate