OSHA has cited All Star Recycling with a serious violation for its failure to implement a heat management program which should be in effect for all workers who could experience excessive heat while working outdoors.  Other serious violations include failing to provide forklift training, not having a hazard communication program, and failing to have a guard on a pedestal grinder where workers could be injured.  OSHA investigated the recycling company after they were alerted to the death of a 59 year old Hispanic man who was hired for the day to sort aluminum.  The problem with hiring a worker just for a day like this is that they may not be used to working in such extreme heat and without the proper time to acclimate they are at risk for heat related injuries.

OSHA has proposed penalties of $13,800 for the serious violations.  Al Star Recycling now has 15 days from receipt of the citations to comply with the OSHA recommendations.

It is important for a company to take notice when hiring a new employee to make sure that they are up to speed both physically and mentally to do the job at hand.  In a situation like this if the worker had never had experience working outdoors in the heat of summer before, you can see how the heat could effect him – especially at his age.  This was clearly a preventable loss of life, had Al Star taking a few extra steps they could have ensured that this man would have made it back to his family at the end of the work day.