OSHA Inspection: NATIONWIDE TOWER

Issued

Oct 25, 2001

Abate by

Nov 11, 2001

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,000 Reduced

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 struck-by hazards from over loading and improper hoist
operation and falls of
up to 500' from riding the hoisting line of a hoist not approved for such
purposes.
At the Adelphia Tower site at 178 Underridge Road E in Conneaut, Ohio on
04/27/01:
Employees improperly operated and improperly used a defective non-approved
hoist.
1.  The improper operation of the hoist exposed employees to struck-by
hazards from potential
falling loads.
2.  There were no posted capacities, recommended operation speeds, special
warnings or
operating rules or instructions posted at the operator's station or
anywhere
on site exposing
employees to struck-by hazards from potential structural failure of the
hoist.
3.  Employees were permited to ride the hoisting line to gain access to
their working positions
on the 500' telecommunications tower on a hoist that was not approved for
personnel hoisting
exposing employees to falls of up to 500'.
4.  A broken and improperly repaired pillow block was present on the hoist
on the job site.
Among other methods, feasible and accepted means to correct the hazardous
condition may
include:
1. Obtain the written instructions from the hoist manufacturer or,in the
absence of this literature,
obtain the written instructions of a registered professional engineer with
a specialization in this
field of expertise.
2. Insure that the applicable instructions and operation rules are posted
at the hoist operator's
station.
3. Post warning signs on the equipment stating that riding the line is not
permitted and provide
employee training instructing employees that they are not to ride the
hoisting line.
4. Assure that hoist operators are trained in the requirements of OSHA
Directive Number 2-1.29
prior to commencement of hoisting operations involving personnel or
materials.
5.  Replace the broken pillow block on the hoist.

Issued

Oct 25, 2001

Abate by

Nov 11, 2001

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Oct 25, 2001

Abate by

Oct 30, 2001

Penalty

Initial $1,250 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Oct 25, 2001

Abate by

Nov 11, 2001

Penalty

Initial $41,700 · Current $9,000 Reduced

Issued

Oct 25, 2001

Abate by

Nov 11, 2001

Penalty

Initial $41,700 · Current $9,000 Reduced