Nebraska’s AGP Grain Marketing Cited for Safety Hazards

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited AGP Grain Marketing LLC in Hastings, Neb., for exposing workers to machine guarding and fall hazards, as well as other safety and health hazards. OSHA has proposed $64,000 in penalties against the company.

OSHA’s investigation, which began in December 2010, resulted in the issuance of seven serious and one repeat citation. OSHA’s inspection was initiated under a local emphasis program that targets grain handling establishments in Nebraska.

Some of the serious citations include a spiral stairway being used as the primary means of access to levels in the grain elevator that was not equipped with standard railings; a fixed ladder that did not have clearance on its climbing side and did not have side rails that extended above the landing surface; a lack of a written respiratory program and annual employee fit-testing; and a lack of guarding on belts and pulleys.

The repeat citation is similar to one issued against the same company on March 18, 2009, for failing to inspect energy control procedures.

AGP Grain Marketing LLC has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director in Omaha or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Source: OSHA