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.
Safety is all too often viewed as an unnecessary expense. On the Burris website there is an obituary for their CEO who had been in the family business since age 12. There is a great deal of material about his Christianity and his faith in the Lord Jesus. The Bible tells us that "Safety is of the Lord." One cannot help but wonder why if they are Christians they are not dealing with safety.
Overall what could motivate companies to deal with employee safety? In the long run there may be greater motivation for the employees to leave and start their own business. Though not guaranteed, smaller firms often seem to have better safety records than the larger ones where responsibility is dispersed.
David Sneed
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