OSHA Inspection: OPTIMA BATTERIES, INC.

Issued

Jul 6, 2005

Abate by

Jul 11, 2005

Penalty

Initial $6,300 · Current $4,410 Reduced

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 the hazard of crushing injury while moving machinery:
a)  OPTIMA Batteries, 17500 E. 22nd Avenue, Aurora, CO:  The employer
failed to ensure that machine stability was maintained during times when
employees were required to move the "rotary die machines" on the #2 and #3
paster lines.  On or about February 24, 2005, while an employee was
rolling a
"rotary die machine" away from the #3 paster line, the machine fell over
crushing
the employee's legs and abdomen.  These "rotary die machines" were bolted
on
top of metal base units with 4-inch steel wheels. The weight of the
"rotary die
machine" in conjunction with the narrow wheel base resulted in the
instability of
this machine while rolling across the concrete floor. These machines
weight an
estimated 1610 pounds each.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is
to ensure the stability of the machine prior to movement by utilizing a
mechanical lifting device.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is not required for this item.