OSHA Inspection: ORION CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

Issued

Jan 28, 2003

Abate by

Mar 17, 2003

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

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 crushing and/or drowning hazards while on or around a
floating work platform:
Pier 32 Jobsite:  Two employees removing temporary steel support beams
from underneath the
pier were exposed to the hazard of being crushed or falling in the water
in the event the beams
or float that the beams were being placed on became unstable.
One feasible and acceptable method to correct the hazard would be to do a
detailed activity
analysis of the operation as specified in the company's contract with the
Navy. Include the
Include the following in the analysis:
1.Have a qualified marine engineer evaluate the stability of the float
being used.  Include
an evaluation of the effects of the stability if nonuniform or point loads
are
applied off
center.
2.Develop a failsafe procedure to ensure that when beams are lowered onto
the float they
cannot slide off the edge of the float.
3.Develop procedures to positively secure beams to the float after they
are lowered.
4.Develop a positive means of securing the float. Ensure that the float is
held tight to the
pier. Ensure that the securing lines do not contribute to the float
becoming unstable and
tipping.
5.Have a qualified engineer evaluate the Crosby clip and lifting
attachment used to lower
the beams. Ensure that they can safely support the loads. Evaluate the
threaded rod that
the crosby clip is attached to. Ensure that the threaded rod can safely
support the tension
and shear load applied.
6.If wood dunnage or cribbing is used to support the beams on the float
ensure that it is
stable.
7.If during the removal process the beams must be lifted use a crane,
hoist or other
suitable means. Do not use a sling tied to the forks of a forklift to lift
the beams.
8.If during the removal process the beams must be moved horizontally use a
suitable
means. Do not use a crane to pull the load.
9.Analyze each phase of the work being done during the beam removal
process to ensure
that employees can do the work without stepping on the float.