OSHA Inspection: C.W. POST COLLEGE/LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY

Issued

Jul 20, 1999

Abate by

Sep 3, 1999

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $1,500 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 a pinch point hazard:
(a)Workplace/King Hall- Employees were exposed to pinch point
hazards created when a powered tail-gate was raised up from the
lowered position;  the Thieman Tailgate Model TT-15 was
installed 12/15/98 on an existing C.W. Post College Vehicle,
#12 which is a 1992 Ford F250 Pick-Up Truck;  the assigned
employee injured his left hand while operating the UP and
DOWN control buttons;  the lift-gate was not equipped with the
appropriate warning labels that identified pinch points and the
employees were not properly instructed in the safe operation of
the lift-gate;  On or about 2/3/99.
ABATEMENT NOTES:
A.Among other methods, one feasible method to reduce this
hazard is to follow the manufacturer's 'Owner's Manual' that
requires:
1.Operators must read the 'Owner's Manual' and
the decals on the lift-gate before operating.
2.Operators must have a thorough knowledge in
understanding the operation of the lift-gate before
operating.
3.Warning decals be mounted on the lift-gate to
advise operators that there are numerous pinch
points on the lift-gate.  Ensure operators read and
understand the instructions.
ABATEMENT VERIFICATION IS REQUIRED AS OUTLINED IN PART
29 CFR 1903.19