A feed mill in Navasota, Texas is looking at $58,100 in possible fines for violations, which includes airborne grain dust. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has tagged the Thomas Moore Feed facility for 18 health and safety violations.
ST Feed Mill, which does business as Thomas Moore Feed, must either comply or contest these citations within 15 business days. OSHA heavily fines companies when they find violations that carry a high probability of workplace injury or death when the employer is expected to be aware of the danger.
Why is Airborne Grain Dust Dangerous?
OSHA says that the feed mill allowed dust to exceed the 1/8 inch accumulation limit. The dust was not monitored at all. It was collecting in areas that it should not have been, and the dust collector needed repairs as well. This is a serious offense because concentrated grain dust can become explosive if it is not ventilated properly and swept to control the accumulation of the dust.
According to OSHA statistics, there have been more than 500-grain dust explosions in the United States in the last 35 years. These explosions have led to just over 180 workplace fatalities and 675 injuries.
In addition to the possible deadly explosions, grain dust is very bad for the lungs. Grain dust, if it accumulates, can cause fires, as well.
Visit our blog again, as we will discuss other airborne workplace hazards in a future post.
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