The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued an October 6th news release stating that it is citing a Moorhead, Iowa United States Postal Service (“USPS”) facility for alleged violations.
OSHA states that the citations were identified during an October 2015 investigation of a complaint alleging visible mold in the vestibule area of the postal facility.
The presence of significant amounts of mold in a structure requires a proximate source of water, but the water does not necessarily have to be pooled or standing. Growth can occur when the relevant surface has absorbed water or when there is sufficient humidity. Some molds need greater amounts of water than others.
The agency alleges that the investigation determined that workers were exposed to slips, electrical hazards and respiratory illness because water was leaking into the facility causing the mold to form and also dripping onto the electrical panel.
The facility was cited for one repeated and four serious safety violations.
OSHA’s Area Director in Des Moines is quoted as stating:
Employers must make visual assessment of their facilities on a routine basis and promptly repair maintenance issues that can cause an illness, slips, falls and other injuries.
The proposed penalties total $63,500.
A copy of the news release can be downloaded here.
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