OSHA Inspection: ROADWAY EXPRESS, INC.

Issued

Jul 10, 1998

Abate by

Jul 15, 1998

Penalty

Initial $2,125 · Current $2,125

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 the hazard of being thrown forward and striking the
steering wheel or
windshield:
(a)On or about 6/19/98 in the Yard; Capacity #1948, Ottawa #1000 and #2059
Yard
Horses were able to be started in other than the "neutral" gear position.
This
permits the vehicles to be started in gear and cause the vehicles to
"jump",
throwing an employee forward or back to hit either the windscreen or
jarring into
the seat; also, the vehicle could move unexpectedly and strike and worker
on the
ground outside the cab.
(b)On or about 6/19/98 in the Yard; Ottawa #2004 Yard Horse has worn
bushings
on the hydraulic lift for the fifth wheel.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to reduce this
hazard is to:
(a)  repair the neutral safety switch and return it to operating
condition.  Manufacturer's
Owner/Operator handbook, page 8, states that neutral is the starting
position for the
engine and that starting in any other position means the switch is
malfunctioning.  (b)
Include these items in the regular Preventive Maintenance checklist.
NO ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION REQUIREDATION