OSHA Proposes Anoter $374,500 in Fines Against Cooperative Plus

Aug. 19, 2010
OSHA recently proposed penalties of $374,500 against Cooperative Plus Inc., a farmer-owned cooperative, for federal workplace safety violations at its Whitewater and Genoa City, Wis., sites. This action follows the $721,000 in penalties issued Aug. 4 after a worker was seriously injured from being engulfed by soybeans at the cooperative’s Burlington, Wis., facility in February.

“This continued non-compliance with long established safety standards for working in grain handling operations by Cooperative Plus Inc. shows a complete disregard for worker safety,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels. “All workers have the right to work in a safe environment, and the Labor Department will use all legal means necessary to ensure companies comply with established safety requirements.”

Based on its investigation of the Cooperative Plus facility in Whitewater, OSHA has fined the company $210,000 for three alleged willful violations. The company failed to test the atmosphere before entry and to have an employee entering wear a safety harness and lifeline. It also failed to post an employee to observe the entry and to turn off and lock out power to the auger before workers entered the grain bins.

The Genoa City facility has received a proposed $70,000 penalty for one alleged willful violation, again for failing to shut down and lock out power to the grain bin augers before workers entered the bins.

In addition to the willful citations, the company has received $35,500 in proposed penalties for seven alleged serious violations at the Whitewater facility. The citations allege, among other violations, that the company lacked an emergency action plan and failed to train workers in the emergency use of respirators and on safe grain handling hazards. It also failed to test the oxygen levels in pits prior to entry or to maintain air-monitoring equipment for confined space entries.

The company also has received a $59,000 proposed penalty for 11 alleged serious violations found at Genoa City. Violations address failures to implement confined space procedures while working in fertilizer tanks; to test the air quality before workers entered fertilizer tanks; to meet requirements for an emergency action plan; to train workers on grain handling hazards annually; and to equip employees with body harnesses and lifelines while working in grain bins.

OSHA recently sent letters to other grain storage companies warning them of their responsibility to comply with grain handling and confined space entry standards.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply with or contest OSHA’s findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.

Sponsored Recommendations

Committing to Safety: Why Leadership’s Role in Safety Excellence is Key

Jan. 13, 2025
Leadership has the power to transform an organization through their behavior and vision, which can result in the creation of an organizational culturethat supports safety excellence...

Speak Up! Cementing "See Something, Say Something" to Drive Safety

Jan. 13, 2025
Many organizations promote "see something, say something" to encourage their people to intervene and make work safe. But most don't go far enough to equip teams with the skills...

The Truth and Challenges of Cultivating Chronic Unease

Jan. 13, 2025
DEKRA announces its latest white paper, “The Truth and Challenges of Cultivating Chronic Unease,” as a definitive look into why being vulnerable to incidents strengthens our commitment...

Mitigating Risks: Strategies for Safeguarding Workers in Hazardous Workplaces

Jan. 13, 2025
Join our expert team in taking on the challenge to make safety part of your organization’s DNA as work, the workforce, and workplaces evolve.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!