Today had started out like any other, overslept just enough to make me rush to keep from being late. I got a run in my hose somewhere between home and the office. Damn, I hate when that happens. Oh well to hot for hose today anyway. I run into the office to get the coffee going. Ya'll know how much the boss likes his morning coffee! I had put on a couple of pots as it seems we have more visitors to the office lately. Dashed into the ladies room and stripped off the hose, wondering if this skirt is long enough to cover? Grabbed the pitcher and got some water for the plants, booted up all the computers and was starting to go through the mail when I saw the envelope. It didn't look that much different from any others in the pile sitting there on my desk, but the return address sent chills through me. I approached it with trepidation, unsure if I should open it or wait for the Boss to come in. Finally working up the courage I reached for it slowly, picking up my letter opener and gently easing the sharp point under the well stuck flap. I slid it slowly along the top, fearful of cutting the contents inside. When it was opened at last I lay down the opener and glanced at the folded contents inside. I lay the envelope down on my desk as I thought I might need some coffee before I dare to read what lay written inside. I was just coming back from the kitchen with my mug full to the brim when I heard the Boss's car come roaring into the parking lot. I quickly sat down my mug on the warmer by my desk, as I hate cold coffee. Shuffling the opened letter under the pile as he came blustering through the door. I hurried to the coffee pot and poured him his mug and brought it to him as he was settling in the big leather chair behind his desk. He asked about new applications, so I handed him the stack we had received the day before, slid some checks in front of him to be signed and when his phone rang made my way back to my desk and the dreaded letter.
I had seen the letterhead many times before when I had owned a construction company. The mere mention of the name brought fear to the most seasoned contractor. But what interest could they possibly have with our office?
I could hear the Boss on the phone still so I quickly pulled the envelope out from under that stack, pulled out the letter and started to read:
Dear Mr. Y Not,
This letter is to advise you that the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 requires, in part, that every employer covered under the Act furnish to his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees. The Act also requires that employers comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under the Act, and that employees comply with standards, rules, regulations and orders issued under the Act which are applicable to their own actions and conduct.
Due to a recent inspection of your facilities it has recently come to our attention that you are in numerous violations of the Act.
It was noted there were various "personal massagers” lying about and batteries rolling about on the floor. These are a fall hazard and must be stored in a safe manner or disposed upon disuse. It is noted no adequate storage was provided.
There were large amounts of a slick lubricant type substance all over the floors and most of the office furniture. This may result in falls and injuries to employees. We saw no fall prevention plans posted to alert employees to this danger.
Several holes in the walls that appeared to be caused from something or someone being rammed into them head first, these pose a safety hazard. In addition, a grab handle shall be provided on each side of these openings with its center approximately 4 feet above floor level and of standard strength and mounting. Wall opening grab handles shall be not less than 12 inches in length and shall be so mounted as to give 3 inches clearance from the side framing of the wall opening. The size, material, and anchoring of the grab handle shall be such that the completed structure is capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction at any point of the handle.
There were several spots on various walls and floor coverings that appeared to have been scorched by a recent exposure to a very high level of heat. Our inspector found no fire plans posted. An employer must inform employees upon initial assignment to a job of the fire hazards to which they are exposed. An employer must also review with each employee those parts of the fire prevention plan necessary for self-protection.
There was inadequate ventilation in the waiting rooms as several of the visitors on the day of our inspection appeared to be having trouble breathing normally and were quite literally gasping for air and the windows were quite fogged. Adequate ventilation must be installed to protect employees from unsafe levels of carbon dioxide.
There were also loud screams and moans heard from an inner office that was not inspected that day. We feel we must advise you that revised amendments require that employees be placed in a hearing conservation program if they are exposed to average noise levels of 85 dB or greater during an 8 hour workday. In order to determine if exposures are at or above this level, it may be necessary to measure or monitor the actual noise levels in the workplace and to estimate the noise exposure or "dose" received by employees during the workday.
These conditions must be abated immediately or you shall face citations and or penalties. After, or concurrent with, the issuance of a citation, and within a reasonable time after the termination of the inspection, the Area Director shall notify the employer by certified mail or by personal service by the Compliance Safety and Health Officer of the proposed penalty under section 17 of the Act, or that no penalty is being proposed. Any notice of proposed penalty shall state that the proposed penalty shall be deemed to be the final order of the Review Commission and not subject to review by any court or agency unless, within 15 working days from the date of receipt of such notice, the employer notifies the Area Director in writing that he intends to contest the citation or the notification of proposed penalty before the Review Commission.
Should you have any questions regarding the findings of this inspection please feel free to contact my office.
Sincerely,
Kathy O’Connell
Director OSHA
*wonders how I'm gonna break this to the Boss*
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