OSHA Inspection: RICKETTS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.

Issued

Aug 12, 2002

Abate by

Aug 16, 2002

Penalty

Initial $500 · Current $300 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Code of Virginia - 40.1-51.1(a):  The employer, Ricketts Construction
Company, Inc., did not furnish employment
and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that
were likely to cause death or serious physical
harm to employees in that the employer did not ensure that each employee,
operating any earth moving equipment
equipped with a roll over protective system (ROPS), was wearing their
seatbelt.
At the job site of the Grafton School, Clarke County, VA., at the north
wall of the gymnasium on the built-up slope
and on a nearby hillside located northwest of the gym, where fill material
was stockpiled, an employee was
transporting and spreading fill dirt.  He was operating a Caterpillar 939
front end loader - Equipment #6, that was
equipped with a roll over protective system (ROPS).  He was not wearing
the seat belt provided on the machine.
One feasible and acceptable abatement method, among others, is to adhere
to safety requirements set forth in the
Operation/ Maintenance Manual for the Caterpillar 939 Track Loader, "to
operate the machine only while seated and
with the seat belt fastened."r