OSHA Inspection: J.S. ASSOCIATED SERVICES, INC. D/B/A SERVICEMASTER

Issued

Aug 16, 2000

Abate by

Aug 21, 2000

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $3,500

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 and crushing hazards:
(a) St. Joseph's Church jobsite; Employees were operating a "Grove" aerial
lift
with a defective left swing arm switch which prevented the lift from
rotating to
the left. In addition, the motion alarm was deactivated and the lift was
being
operated at heights of 40 feet above ground level.
(b) St. Joseph's Church jobsite; Employees operating the articulating
aerial lift were not
trained in the safe operating procedures of the lift.  On June 20, 2000,
an employee was
navigating a "Genie" aerial lift through a vestibule doorway when he
became pinned
between the door frame and the toprail of the basket.
One feasible and acceptable method of abatement is to inspect, test, and
repair all
devices to ensure all lift controls are in a safe working condition prior
to use.
Each employee involved in maintaining, moving, operating, and inspecting an
aerial lift must be trained in the recognition and avoidance of any unsafe
conditions.