OSHA Inspection: TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT COMPANY

Issued

Dec 6, 2000

Abate by

Dec 11, 2000

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $3,000

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
employee(s)
exposed to being
struck by falling equipment, in that the hood on a Timberjack 530 Log
Loader was raised
without support.  Among others, one feasible and acceptable method to
correct this hazard is to
follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper machine support found in
the Timberjack 530
Training Manual which states: "If you must work on a lifted machine or
attachment securely
support the machine or attachment."
On or about June 12, 2000, while servicing a Timberjack 530 Log Loader, an
employee raised
the hood which was suspended hydraulically.  While using a device to
trouble-shoot the reported
malfunction of the hood, a short circuit occurred in the solenoid which
caused the hydraulic
system to lose pressure and close on top of the employee.
ABATEMENT NOTE: Compliance with the Manufacturer's Service Bulletin No.
530001, dated
August, 2000 would meet the intent of the abatement for this item.