OSHA Inspection: FEDEX GROUND SYSTEMS, INC.

Issued

Feb 11, 2005

Abate by

Apr 14, 2005

Penalty

Initial $4,500

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:
The employer did not protect employees from the recognized hazard of being
struck by motor
vehicles in the dock area of the hub yard.  A yard tractor, Ottawa
Commando 30 with raised
roof cab, FedEx designation number Unit 12181, was not maintained to
insure that the back-up
alarm on it functioned properly.  The alarm was intended to warn
employees, who may be in
the path of the moving vehicle, of its approach.  Additionally, the right
side mirror for the
vehicle had been damaged and rendered useless.  Being struck by a motor
vehicle as it is backed
towards a warehouse dock poses a threat of (1) death, or (2) serious
physical harm, defined as
impairment of the body in which part of the body is made functionally
useless or is substantially
reduced in efficiency on or off the job.  Such impairment may be permanent
or temporary, and
would usually require treatment by a medical doctor.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is
to modify the maintenance inspection checklists used by maintenance shop
personnel and by the
drivers.  An element that prompts inspectors and drivers to check for
back-up alarm function
could be added to their checklists.  Information that may be relied on to
enhance the checklists
is contained in the operator's manual for the yard tractor.  The
manufacturer may also be
consulted for advice on development of the forms.  Additionally, employees
should receive
training on the importance of prompt reporting of equipment deficiencies.