OSHA Inspection: CLARK LIFT OF CHICAGO, SOUTH INC.

Issued

May 29, 1991

Abate by

Jul 3, 1991

Penalty

Initial $630 · Current $630

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 receognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death
or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to:
1.  The hazards associated with overloading overhead underhung hoists which
may include structural damage or destruction of the hoisting mechanism,
chains, hooks or attachment means.  Such damage or destruction may result
in dropping, shifting, tilting or falling loads exposing employees to
crushing injuries.
On or about 2-22-91, an employee was lifting the counterweight of
a Clarklift model C-500 forklift using a Jet overhead underhung chain hoist
rated at 2 tons.  The forklift which weighed in excess of 9800 lbs. was
lifted from the floor by attachment eyelets on the counterweight to a point
high enough to block for repair of the steer axle.  The employee was,
thereby exposed to the hazard associated with falling loads.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct
this hazard is the implementation of hoisting practices for operators as
specified in ASME/ANSI B30.16-1987 which states in part that the operator
shall not pick up a load in excess of the rated load appearing on the hoist
or load block except during properly authorized tests or properly
authorized planned engineered lifts.