OSHA Inspection: RENSSELAER CO HWY DEPT

Issued

Jun 7, 2005

Abate by

Aug 15, 2005

General-duty citation text

NYSLL Article 2, Section 27a (3a)(1):  The employer did not
furnish to each of its employees, employment and a place of
employment which was free from recognized hazards that were
causing or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to
its employees and which would provide reasonable and adequate
protection to the lives, safety or health or its employees:
(a)  At the Rensselaer Co. Highway Department, employees, (e.g.,
Motor Equipment Operators and Laborers) during the performance of
their assigned duties, are exposed to the hazard of contracting
Lyme Disease while working in tick habitat areas identified as
having a high or moderate risk of harboring the tick vector of
Lyme Disease.  This hazard is recognized by the Centers for
Disease Control in their June 4, 1999 publication
"Recommendations for the Use of Lyme Disease Vaccine,
Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices".  This hazard is not likely to cause death but is
likely to cause substantial illness and impairment if not
identified and treated promptly.
In applying this paragraph, fundamental distinctions between
private an public sector employment were recognized.  Reasonable
and adequate methods to abate this hazard include, but are not
limited to:  Implement an education program for employees with
exposure which includes the signs and symptoms of Lyme Disease
infection, the importance of seeking immediate medical attention,
self inspection for attached tick at the conclusion of each work
day when exposure to tick habitat occurred, the proper method of
removal of attached ticks, proper clothing for work in tick
habitat, and proper use of repellants and insecticides.

Issued

Jun 7, 2005

Abate by

Jun 10, 2005

Issued

Jun 7, 2005

Abate by

Jun 10, 2005