Yesterday’s post discussed training violations OSHA issued to a parts and used car dealership in Illinois. Physical hazards were also a large part of the 14 safety and 6 health violations facing the company.
Here is the list of physical hazard citations from Bill Smith Auto Parts, Inc, along with recommendations for improvement.*
| Violation image | Violation descriptions and recommendations for improvement |
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Missing machine guarding
This usually happens on parts grinders. Check the machine for side guards, correct adjustments on the tool rests and tongue guards, and proper anchoring. If in doubt, this 2 min. video gives a good overview of grinder safety. |
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Improperly maintained industrial trucks
Check that forklifts and other lift trucks are maintained in working order according to the manufacturer’s recommendations through. You should include documentation of maintenance.
This could also be a housekeeping issue. Outdated and unused equipment should be removed from the premises. |
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Improperly stored hazardous materials
If they are flammable, containers need to be grounded, or outfitted with a bonding wire. All containers need to be approved for their contents, and they need to have lids. Document inspections storage areas, and everything should be labeled. |
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Lack of guarding on open-sided floors
All elevated work surfaces, including but not limited to alignment or lube racks, in ground lube pits and storage platforms should have proper fall protection measures. |
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Failing to properly store compressed gas cylinders
Compressed gas cylinders should be securely fastened to rigid structures so they won’t fall or be knocked over. |
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Lack of guarding on pulleys and other equipment lower than 7 feet from the floor: struck-by hazards
Replace guards/restraints on pulleys to ensure safe operation. |
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Damaged electrical cords in use
A very common problem that poses a serious shock hazard. The damaged cord should be replaced. Never splice an electrical cord as a repair method, and make sure the cord is the right length to avoid using extension cords as permanent wiring. This handy Extension Cord Checklist is available for more information about shock hazards. |
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Unlabeled hazardous material containers
Apply a “Hazardous Waste” label to the container and fill out the required information. Typically, this violation is cited with language like “potentially hazardous waste” because in general, the inspector does not actually test contents of each and every barrel. That is why all containers need to be labeled, including “non-hazardous waste.” |
| Use your imagination. | Unsanitary conditions in restroom
You might not be familiar with OSHA code 29 CFR 1910.141, but it requires that all restroom facilities, particularly those accessible to employees, remain clean and sanitary at all times. |
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Failing to post visible “no smoking” signs in areas where flammable materials were present
All areas where smoking is prohibited in the facility must be labeled “no smoking or open flame.” Including flammable or combustible storage areas. For more information, read this post, “Danger in Detail.” |
“Employers are responsible for knowing what hazards exist in their facilities and for following OSHA standards to ensure the safety and health of their workers,” explains Tom Bielema, director for OSHA’s Peoria office. While Bill Smith Auto Parts is working with OSHA to use the inspection report as an opportunity for improvement, all of these violations are avoidable, and precautionary measures should be part of your facility’s daily routine.
This is an opportunity for you to look over your facility, check your paperwork, and share this list with your employees as an educational opportunity, because the best environmental health and safety strategies are supported at every level of the company.
Many, if not all, violations and workplace accidents are preventable with KPA’s services. KPA’s Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) service is designed for dealerships to effectively manage and document safety and environmental compliance. EHS services include regular on-site facility visits conducted by a professional with environmental safety compliance experience including OSHA and EPA, an electronic MSDS database, online training courses, required signage and labels, and 24 hour hotlines. All of this information is available at your fingertips through myKPAonline.com, which features a dashboard indicating your facility’s overall level of environmental health and safety.
In the event of an emergency – including inspection visits by federal or state inspectors – your KPA engineer is only a phone call away.
*images are from KPA’s database, and do not represent the exact conditions at Smith Auto Parts.
