OSHA Inspection: NATIONAL MAINTENANCE & REPAIR, INC.

Issued

Jun 4, 1997

Abate by

Jun 10, 1997

Penalty

Initial $6,300 · Current $4,410 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not
furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from
recognized hazards
that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to
employees in that
employees were exposed to:
....unsafe access and fall hazards.  At National Maintenance & Repair
Inc., specifically the
Engine Repair Shop, employees were required to climb up to and straddle
the exhaust
shrouds belonging to a General Motors Electric Division 645-E3 or similar
locomotive
engines for the purpose of removing up to 80 nuts and bolts which attached
the four shrouds
to the engine.  Safe access and conventional fall protection measures were
not provided.
This unsafe work practice resulted in one employee falling backwards off
of an engine
onto the concrete floor below, on or about 12-06-96.  This employee
sustained serious injury
as a result of the nine foot fall.
One method of abatement to correct this apparent hazard is to utilize a
mobile ladder stand or
similar device of sufficient height which provides the employee with safe
access to where the
work is to be performed and adequate fall protection during the task.
DISCLAIMER:
1.  You are not limited to the abatement method(s) suggested above.
2.  The method(s) explained are general and may not be effective in all
cases.
3.  The employer is responsible for selecting and carrying out an
appropriate abatement
method.

Issued

Jun 4, 1997

Abate by

Jun 10, 1997

Penalty

Initial $2,250 · Current $1,575 Reduced