OSHA Inspection: AQUA LAWN INC.

Issued

Sep 18, 2006

Abate by

Feb 13, 2007

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,500

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 the
employees were exposed to the hazard of "struck" or "pinched" by a heavy
equipment:
WORKSITE: The employer did not ensure that the employees, operating the
Vermeer "walk-
along" Trencher/Plow, Model LM42 had acquired the proper knowledge,
information and
training in the proper and safe operation of the equipment prior to
commencing the work.
On or about May 1, 2006, the Vermeer Trencher/Plow rolled over while an
employee was
pulling pipes on an inclined hillside along the road and struck the
employee in the back. The
employee sustained severe multiple broken bones from the incident.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable means of abatement is to :
1. Operate and use the equipment based on the manufacturer's
recommendations.
2. Instruct and train employees in the proper and safe operation of the
equipment.
3. Conduct pre-job survey and briefings.
4. Utilize other available engineering technologies and methods.