OSHA Inspection: BETHLEHEM STEEL CORPORATION, STRUCTURAL PRODUCTS D

Issued

Jan 17, 1995

Abate by

Feb 18, 1995

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
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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 the hazards of mobile equipment:
a)  Blast Furnace Department - The K73 Mack dump truck, (chassis
DM686SX-1856)
was driven on November 11, 1994 with a defective back-up alarm (PRECO Model
45AA) in a high noise work environment.  The employer did not implement
alternative
safe work measures, such as the use of a truck walker (safety spotter), to
assure the
safety of employees while the dump truck backed up to, and underneath a
material chute.
This dump truck had a significant restricted view.  Additionally, the K73
dump truck did
not have a white, rear-mounted lamp to visually indicate that the
transmission was in
reverse gear.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is
to establish and implement a truck walker to guide the dump truck as the
truck was backed under
the chute and to inform all ground personnel to be alert for moving
vehicles.  A truck walker
would function as a safety spot measure or alternative to the back-up
alarm when the truck backs
up in a noisy environment.
b)  Blast Furnace Department - The leased Caterpillar front end loader
(Model 950;
Serial 8156591) that was used throughout this department and plant areas
was observed
operating with a defective horn and defective rear brake lights, thus
exposing employees
to motor vehicle safety hazards.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard would be to
repair the horn and brake lights so that they are functional.