OSHA Inspection: RADIANT FLOOR HEATING CO.

Issued

Apr 15, 2002

Abate by

Apr 29, 2002

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,500

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 being caught in and crushed by the bucket arms:
(a)On or about 2/14/02 in the shop area at 84 West Street, Hamburg, NY; the
Melroe Co. "Bobcat" Skid Steer Loader, Model 440B, serial number
505215731, seat bar safety interlocking system was bypassed.  An employee
was attempting to repair a leaking hydraulic cylinder and started up the
machine, bypassing the safety device (operator seat bar interlock system)
then
attempted to exit the cab.  His foot struck the foot controls to lower the
bucket arms which trapped and squeezed him between the arms and the
frame causing his death.
Among others, several feasible and acceptable methods to reduce this hazard
are:
(1)Train employees in the operating controls and their functions,
especially the purpose of the interlocking safety device and seat belt;
as well as the safety precautions to be taken when entering and exiting
the cab, such as lowering and/or blocking the arms per Owners
Manual, pages 10, 22, 23 & 38.
(2)Perform regular preventive maintenance on the Skid Steer to catch
hydraulic leaks and repair them early.
(3)Control access to the Skid Steer, so that untrained employees cannot
start it up.
ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED