OSHA Inspection: BLANDING DIRTWORK

Issued

Apr 28, 2005

Abate by

May 31, 2005

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $2,500

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 crushing and struck by injuries due to inadequate
maintenance of skid steers:
a)  Blanding Dirtwork, 15978 E. 106th, Commerce City, Colorado: Case
brand 1845C skid steer (#6-PIN# JAF0293771) was operating with a non-
functional Operator Presence System in that the seat safety device was
inoperable.
This condition allowed the operator to actuate the hydraulic controls
while outside
the operator's seat. The operator working alone at the time of this
accident and
was installing a coupler pin that had fallen out of the bucket assembly.
The
employee started the machine, left the operator's seat, lowered the seat
bar
interlock system, and operated the hydraulic control system to align the
bucket
assembly hole with the lift arms to install the coupler pin.  The operator
was
found crushed between the lift arms and the front of the skid steer with
the engine
running.
b)  Case brand 1845C skid steer (#5-Pin #JAF0274449) was operated with a
disabled Operator Presence System in that the seat safety device was
inoperable.
c)  Case brand 1845C skid steer (#7-PIN #JAF0294193) was operating with a
disabled Operator Presence System in that the seat safety device was
inoperable.
d) Case brand 1845C skid steer (rental-PIN #JAF0294193) was operating with
a
disabled Operator Presence System in that the seat safety device was
inoperable.
e) Case brand 1845C skid steer (#7-PIN #0294193) was operating with a
disabled
Operator Presence System in that the seat bar interlock was not working
correctly. With the seat bar in the raised position, and the operator
sitting
in the
operator's seat, the left side hydraulic controls were capable of being
actuated.
The seat bar is a restraining device designed to prevent the hydraulic
controls
from working when raised.
Abatement Note: Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement
methods to correct these hazards would be to;  follow the safety manual
published
by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers provided with these machines
at
the time of purchase.  Follow the inspection guidelines outlined on page
11 that
states to check items including but not limited to the Operator's Seat
Bar/Interlock
Control System to ensure correct operation.  Additionally, page 2 of this
manual
states to "check the loader" before you begin work for broken, missing,
loose,
or damaged parts.
f)  Case brand 1845C skid steer (#4-PIN #JAF0191893) was operating with the
seat belt removed. This unit was equipped with a Roll-Over-Protective
system.
The ROP system is only functional when the machine operator is restrained
inside
the opeator's cab with a seat belt.
Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct
this
hazard would be to follow the SAE J1388 International Surface Vehicle
Standard,
titled, Personnel Protection-Skid Steer Loaders. Paragraph 6.1 states that
loaders
shall be equipped with Type 1 seat belt systems which meet ISO 6683
requirements.
g)  Case brand 1845C skid steer (#7-PIN #JAF0294193) was operating with a
non-functioning back up alarm.  This poses a struck-by hazard to employees
working around the skid steer.
h)  Case brand 1845C skid steer (#6-PIN #JAF0293771) was operating with a
non-functioning back up alarm. This poses a struck-by hazard to employees
working around the skid steer.
i)  Case brand 1845C skid steer rental unit (PIN #JAF0252646) was operating
with a non-functioning back up alarm. This poses a struck-by hazard to
employees working around the skid steer.
Abatement Note: Page 11 of the safety manual states to "check the safety
equipment, including but not limited to "back-up" alarms. Additionally,
never
remove or disconnect any safety device on a piece of equipment".
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required
for this item (See
enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").

Issued

Apr 28, 2005

Abate by

May 31, 2005

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,000 Reduced

Issued

Apr 28, 2005

Abate by

May 31, 2005

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,000 Reduced