OSHA Inspection: STAR BUFFET, INC. DBA JJ NORTH'S

Issued

Mar 16, 1998

Abate by

Mar 26, 1998

Penalty

Initial $1,125 · Current $1,125

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 multiple crushing injuries:
(a)6681 Fairview, Boise, ID:  On or about January 5, 1998, and at times
prior
there to, employees cleaning the refrigerator were allowed to stand on the
lower deck of a refrigerator that was approximately 19 inches above floor
level.  This created the hazard of tipping over the unit which would
result in
serious injuries to an employee pinned beneath.  Portable step ladders of a
sufficient size or other equivalent similar access were not provided for
employees who were required to access the back of a refrigerator to clean.
The  refrigerator measured approximately 78 inches from floor level to the
inside top front edge and an additional distance of approximately 26 inches
was required to reach the back of the refrigerator.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this
hazard is to enforce and require the use of portable step ladders or other
equivalent
means of access when employees cannot reach areas to be cleaned from the
floor.
Employees must be prohibited from climbing on equipment that may tip over.
Note: Abatement certification required for this item.