OSHA Inspection: LANCASTER EQUIPMENT CORPORATION

Issued

Aug 26, 1999

Abate by

Sep 28, 1999

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $2,500 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 being crushed by unsecured lift gates:
(a)On or about 4/30/99 in the Garage:  employee was preparing a lift gate
for
installation on the rear of a trailer without temporary supports on the
columns to
keep the lift gate securely upright.  The manufactures' instructions are
to ensure
the "temporary supports rest on the floor".   The lift gate was not
properly
supported and slipped/fell toward the forklift trapping the employee
between the
lifting bar of the lift gate and the frame of the forklift causing fatal
injuries.
Feasible abatement methods include:  1)  Keep the lift gate frame flat on
the floor until
such time as the forklift raises it to place it in the tractor end.  2)
Weld "shipping
braces" (temporary stabilizing supports) on the bottom of the columns to
keep the gate
steady in the upright position.  3)  Use a forklift to hold the lift gate
upright.  4) Training
of employees to ensure that installation is accomplished per
manufacturer's specifications.
ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED