OSHA Inspection: WITHERINGTON LANDSCAPING CO.

Issued

Aug 26, 2005

Abate by

Aug 31, 2005

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not
furnish to each of his employees 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:
(a) On or about July 25, 2005 - An employee, trimming bushes on the north
side of the
building, had climbed onto the top of a 10-foot fiberglass step ladder to
reach the tops
of the bushes he was trimming.
(b) On or about July 25, 2005 - The 10-foot fiberglass step ladder, being
used by an
employee while trimming bushes, had been set up in front of a door that
opened towards
the ladder without blocking, locking or guarding the door.
Among other methods, feasible abatement methods include:
1. Ensure that all ladders are of adequate height for the task being
performed.
2. Do not position a ladder where it may be bumped by a door. If it is
necessary to use
a ladder in front of a door, the door is to be locked or barricaded and a
caution sign
posted.
ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION NOT REQUIRED