OSHA Inspection: UNIVERSAL BUILDERS SUPPLY INC

Issued

Jan 20, 1999

Abate by

Jan 25, 1999

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $4,900 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 falling up to approximately 700 feet due to hoist tower
collapse:
a)Alimak hoist tower on site. Employees were exposed to falling to the
street below
due to failure of the employer to provide assurance that the mast bolts
were
maintained for tightness, on or about 7-21-98
One feasible method of abatement would be to check each bolt for looseness
by "tapping" with
a hammer on the bolt/nut.  The sound in response to the tapping clearly
indicates if a bolt is
loose. If the bolt is determined to be loose, re-torque to its proper
value.  This feasible means
of abatement is referenced by the manufacturer ALIMAK in a letter to OSHA
dated November
20, 1998.
b)Alimak hoist tower on site.
Employees were exposed to falling to the street below due to failure of the
employer to provide assurance that all mast bolts met industry accepted
specifications, on or about 7-21-98.
One feasible method of abatement would be to inspect all mast bolts prior
to installation to
ensure that they are properly marked with the manufacturer`s name and
strength grade in
accordance with industry specifications. (Reference: American Society for
Testing and Materials
(ASTM) and SAE).)

Issued

Jan 20, 1999

Abate by

Jan 25, 1999

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $4,900 Reduced

Issued

Jan 20, 1999

Abate by

Jan 25, 1999

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,500 Reduced

Issued

Jan 20, 1999

Abate by

Jan 25, 1999

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $4,900 Reduced