OSHA Inspection: GREENSCAPE SEEDING INC

Issued

Dec 1, 1999

Abate by

Dec 6, 1999

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,500

Issued

Dec 1, 1999

Abate by

Jan 17, 2000

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,500

General-duty citation text

40.1-51.1.(a):  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, the employer did not ensure each employee was
trained in the safe operation of a farm type tractor, while
conducting mowing operations where the danger of overturning
existed.
Reference documentation: the Ford 4630 Tractor owners manual on
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, also, refer to 1928.51(d) that requires tractor
operators to be informed of the operating practices contained in
Appendix A of this part and of any other practices dictated by the
work environment. (ie: VDOT's Contract with Greenscape Seeding Inc,
Attachment C; pages 1-7, shows mowing specifications; diagraming
areas greater than a 4:1 or higher than 5 feet should not be mown).
"One feasible and acceptable abatement method, among others, to
correct this hazard would be to train tractor operators in safety
precautions, operation, and any other practices dictated by the
environment."
On October 25, 1999 on I-64 Eastbound approximately 1/4 east of
Fishersville, Virginia, Greenscape Seeding Inc mower operator
overturned the tractor he was operating by driving on an embankment
that was too steep.