OSHA Inspection: WEIRTON STEEL CORPORATION

Issued

Nov 16, 2001

Abate by

Nov 29, 2001

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $4,000 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:
a.Employees are exposed to the hazard of being crushed by or struck by
moving railcars on the
hi-line (Coke and Ore Tracks adjacent to Blast Furnace).  On or about
October 3, 2001, work
was being performed on the hi-line during hours of darkness.  No flashing
light or blue lantern
was used to alert employees in this area that work was being performed on
the track and
positive protection (derails and misalignment of track) was being used.
This resulted in an
engine unexpectedly switching from the coke track to the ore track and
striking a parked rail
car on the ore track.  An employee sustained serious injuries when he was
crushed between the
engine and a railcar.
b.Employees are exposed to the hazard of being crushed by or struck by
moving railcars on the
hi-line (Coke and Ore Tracks adjacent to Blast Furnace).  On or about
October 3, 2001, work
was being performed on the hi-line without clear communication between the
rigging forman
and the gang leader/wrenchman regarding the position of the track switch
in the area where the
rigging crew was working.  As a result, the engine operated by the gang
leader/wrenchman
unexpectedly switched from the coke track to the ore track and struck a
stationary railcar on
the ore track.  An employee sustained serious injuries when he was crushed
between the
engine and the railcar.
Feasible abatement for these hazards include but are not limited to:
1.Ensure that a flashing blue light or blue lantern is placed on the Blue
Flag during hours of darkness to
designate that a derail, locked, or spiked switch is in effect.
2.Ensure that clear communication is maintained between crews when more
than
one crew or craft is
working on or about the railroad tracks, as specified in the Corporate
Policy for Blue Light
Procedures.
3.Follow established Corporate Policy for Blue Light Procedures regarding
communication.  Policy
states that it is the responsibility of the individual directing the crew
working on or around railroad
tracks to install and remove positive protection (switch misalignment and
derailers).
4.Assign a safety person to such operations to watch the track for
hazardous situations.