OSHA Inspection: MIDWEST FORGE CORP.

Issued

May 29, 1996

Abate by

Jul 1, 1996

Penalty

Initial $1,100 · Current $770 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:
On and prior to 5/9/96, employees were exposed to fall hazards while
climbing up the sides of
bar storage racks. The employees stand on the rack framework approximately
4 ft. - 11 in. to
5 ft. - 6 in. above floor level and reach up to connect sling hooks to the
upper rack. On racks
stacked four high, the employees must reach the top rack hookup holes
located approximately
10 ft. above floor level.
Among other methods, the following are feasible and acceptable methods to
minimize the fall
hazard.
1) Provide a portable rolling stair or a ladder.
2) Use a forklift truck to stack and unstack the racks.
3) Modify the racks by providing intermediate steps/rungs to reduce the
step height and install
hand-holds/rails to ensure a firm grip while climbing.
4) Replace the current spreader beam and sling hook lifting mechanism with
one that is capable
of attaching to, and safely lifting the racks without having the need for
employees to climb the
sides of the racks.

Issued

May 29, 1996

Abate by

Jul 1, 1996

Issued

May 29, 1996

Abate by

Jul 1, 1996

Issued

May 29, 1996

Abate by

Jun 16, 1996

Issued

May 29, 1996

Abate by

Jul 1, 1996