OSHA Delivers $76,005 in Fines to Delaware Distributor
Some of the serious violations involve exposing employees to electrical hazards due to the company's failure to properly mark voltage panel boxes, properly guard voltage junction boxes, and cover live electrical parts.
OSHA has cited Burris Logistics for 13 alleged serious safety and health violations at its Harrington, Del., warehouse following an investigation initiated under the agency's Site-Specific Targeting Program for industries with high injury and illness rates. Proposed penalties total $76,005.
Some of the serious violations involve exposing employees to electrical hazards due to the company's failure to properly mark voltage panel boxes, properly guard voltage junction boxes, and cover live electrical parts. Additionally, Burris Logistics failed to consult employees, including contractors, on the process hazard analysis and other elements of process safety management. The company also failed to provide appropriate process safety information; provide appropriate operating procedures regarding safe shift changes, shutting down and starting up; document that the oil drain valve for one of the process pressure vessels complied with recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices; address considerations related to fluctuations in ammonia levels; conduct inspections to maintain system mechanical integrity; implement a plan for emergencies involving a potential ammonia release; provide written procedures for employees engaged in maintenance activities; place electrical equipment in an approved location; and ensure that the ammonia machine room complied with ventilation and other safety requirements.
An other-than-serious violation, with no monetary penalty, was cited for not conducting annual hearing tests.
"It is vital that the company take immediate measures to correct these hazards in order to protect the safety and health of its workers," said Domenick Salvatore, director of OSHA's Wilmington Area Office.
Burris Logistics, headquartered in Milford, Del., provides logistics services for distributing perishable items and frozen foods throughout the eastern United States. About 104 workers are employed at the Harrington warehouse.