OSHA Inspection: STAR LUMBER & SUPPLY CO., INC.

Issued

Jan 8, 1997

Abate by

Feb 3, 1997

Penalty

Initial $5,950 · Current $2,550 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not
furnish employmnent 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 being pinned under, crushed, or thrown from a forklift if
it were to tip or roll
over.
On or about November 26, 1996, employee was operating a 5000lb Toyota
forklift in the
materials storage yard and was not wearing the seatbelt as provided by the
forklift manufacturer.
Employee was unable to maintain positive control of the forklift causing
it to overturn onto its
left side.
MOA:  Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this
hazard is:  Train personnel and ensure utilization of seat belts where so
provided by the
manufacturer.
**Note**  Forklift has two warning decals and placards emphasising the use
of seatbelts.  The
Toyota Operator's and Owners Manual has numerous references on the need to
use seatbelts,
and the company training manual and video also emphasis the need to use
seatbelts.  The
employer "made a conscious decision not to require the use of seatbelts
for forklift operators
because it is not required by current OSHA Standards".

Issued

Jan 8, 1997

Abate by

Feb 3, 1997

Penalty

Initial $4,250 · Current $3,570 Reduced