BOS 3525
Unit 1 Assignment Non-Formal Complaint BOS
3525 Legal Aspects of Safety and Health
Columbia Southern University
Dear OSHA Area Director,
I received and listen to your voicemail you left in regards of non-formal complaint.
Thank you for bringing this matter to the attention of our company and safety staff. Here at BKC
steel and copper works INC. We take pride in our work and priority of safety for our employees.
This is a big surprise and shock to us that a non-formal complaint has been filed. Our company
strives to put safety number one!
The employee or employee’s states that they frequently “cough up” black sputum, and
that they are worried about the health consequences caused by the lack of ventilation. After
seeking guidance from medical advisers, it was determined the discoloration may be temporary,
and most likely caused by exposure to smoke or dirt in the air, or it could be due to a respiratory
infection. Black phlegm could also be caused by a more serious condition, such as lung cancer.
After receiving word of the complaint, effective immediately a stop of work went into effect. An
emergency called meeting with our safety committee, along with management to address the
complaint. After the meeting the members of the safety committee, a site safety inspection of the
work area was conducted.
This complaint further states that no air sampling has been performed. Each supervisor
has been instructed and advised that air monitoring needs to be conducted. An evaluation for the
employees’ exposures to welding fumes has been conducted. that when asked for respirators,
they were given “dust masks” with one strap, which were purchased at the local hardware store.
The effectiveness of these dust masks for the exposure is inadequate for this job. Proper PPE will
be purchased to address all matters that has been brought to our attention.
According to (OSHA 29 CFR 1926) either general mechanical or local exhaust
ventilation meeting the requirements of section 1926.353(a) "shall be provided whenever
welding, cutting, or heating is performed in a confined space." Air monitoring will be conducted
and shall be conducted when employees are conducting work in a confine space. OSHA requires
employers ensure no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of chromium in excess of
5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (5 µg/m3), calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
Respiratory protection will be required if work practices and ventilation do not reduce exposures
to safe levels.
After reviewing our job safety training analysis (JTSA). Effective immediately,
safety meetings will be conducted weekly to address safety concerns. Quarterly safety
training for addressing the donning of proper PPE to be worn when performing job related
tasks. Air monitoring, ventilation equipment training will be conducted during the quarterly
trainings.
Unit 1 Assignment Non-Formal Complaint BOS
3525 Legal Aspects of Safety and Health
Columbia Southern University
Dear OSHA Area Director,
I received and listen to your voicemail you left in regards of non-formal complaint.
Thank you for bringing this matter to the attention of our company and safety staff. Here at BKC
steel and copper works INC. We take pride in our work and priority of safety for our employees.
This is a big surprise and shock to us that a non-formal complaint has been filed. Our company
strives to put safety number one!
The employee or employee’s states that they frequently “cough up” black sputum, and
that they are worried about the health consequences caused by the lack of ventilation. After
seeking guidance from medical advisers, it was determined the discoloration may be temporary,
and most likely caused by exposure to smoke or dirt in the air, or it could be due to a respiratory
infection. Black phlegm could also be caused by a more serious condition, such as lung cancer.
After receiving word of the complaint, effective immediately a stop of work went into effect. An
emergency called meeting with our safety committee, along with management to address the
complaint. After the meeting the members of the safety committee, a site safety inspection of the
work area was conducted.
This complaint further states that no air sampling has been performed. Each supervisor
has been instructed and advised that air monitoring needs to be conducted. An evaluation for the
employees’ exposures to welding fumes has been conducted. that when asked for respirators,
they were given “dust masks” with one strap, which were purchased at the local hardware store.
The effectiveness of these dust masks for the exposure is inadequate for this job. Proper PPE will
be purchased to address all matters that has been brought to our attention.
According to (OSHA 29 CFR 1926) either general mechanical or local exhaust
ventilation meeting the requirements of section 1926.353(a) "shall be provided whenever
welding, cutting, or heating is performed in a confined space." Air monitoring will be conducted
and shall be conducted when employees are conducting work in a confine space. OSHA requires
employers ensure no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of chromium in excess of
5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (5 µg/m3), calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
Respiratory protection will be required if work practices and ventilation do not reduce exposures
to safe levels.
After reviewing our job safety training analysis (JTSA). Effective immediately,
safety meetings will be conducted weekly to address safety concerns. Quarterly safety
training for addressing the donning of proper PPE to be worn when performing job related
tasks. Air monitoring, ventilation equipment training will be conducted during the quarterly
trainings.
