OSHA Inspection: NFTA GREATER BUFFALO INTL AIRPORT MAINT GARAGE

Issued

Dec 11, 2002

Abate by

Jan 30, 2003

General-duty citation text

NYSLL Article 2, Section 27-a.3.a(1):  The employer did not furnish to
each of its employees,
employment and a place of employment which was free from recognized
hazards that were
causing or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to its
employees and which will
provide reasonable and adequate protection to the lives, safety or health
of it's employees.  In
applying this paragraph, fundamental distinctions between private and
public employment have
been recognized.
a/The concrete block wall in the garage of the NFTA Maintenance Building
was
badly damaged. The wall helps support a roof constructed of pre-cast
concrete
planks.
1) The employer failed to keep the work place free of a hazard to which
employees are exposed.
Employees store equipment and supplies in the garage and pass through it
on a regular basis.
2) The hazard was recognized. Management stated that the crack had been
there
for a number
of years and was probably caused by a piece of equipment running into the
wall by accident.
3) The hazard is likely to cause death or serious physical harm. The wall
is part of the
supporting structure for the concrete slab roof. If the wall fails and
employees are in the garage,
the accident may result in death or serious physical harm.
4) There was a reasonable and adequate method to correct the hazard. NFTA
architect said that
he would draft plans for the repairs and shoring of the walls. This will
consist primarily of
utilizing jack posts and a properly sized beam to support the roof.