OSHA Inspection: OMAHA STEEL CASTINGS COMPANY

Issued

Dec 14, 2000

Abate by

Jan 5, 2001

Penalty

Initial $1,925

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:
Omaha Steel Castings Company - Employees are exposed to hazards of
crushing and/or
burns due to collapsing molds.  Weights placed on or removed from molds
have the
potential to fall and strike employees.  Abatement methods are as follows:
1. Ensure that when molds are placed on the bottom boards that they do not
overhang the bottom boards.  This potentially creates undue stress on the
sides
of the molds when the weights are placed on them this can lead to the molds
collapsing and the weights striking employees;
2. When stacking the weights after removing them from the molds, have the
crane operator remove the weights nearest the employee first and then
proceed
with the weights away from the operator.  Only stack two weights at a
time, and,
3. Increase the space in between the molds to allow for employee access and
egress.  Allow a minimum of 28 inches between the molds.  This allows space
for the work to be performed and allows for an escape route if the mold
were
to
collapse.
Abatement certification is required for this violation. The abatement
certification sheet
is enclosed with the citations.