OSHA Inspection: VARATECH INDUSTRIES, INC.

Issued

May 3, 2007

Abate by

May 15, 2007

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,500

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 the hazard of being crushed by steel plates
which were leaning at
the back of the Viper City Sizer Screening Machine:
a) Worksite - The employer placed steel plates, in the leaning position,
at the
rear of the Viper City Sizer Screening Machine to fill the void that was
created when the machine was placed on concrete block to allow a larger
loader bucket to fit under the front of the screener to remove the
screened dirt.
Employees were exposed to the hazard of being crushed by the unexpected
tipping of these plates while cleaning excess dirt from the rear of the
Sizer; on
or about 11/06/06.
ABATEMENT NOTES:
Among other methods, one feasible method to reduce this hazard is to:
a. Position the Viper City Sizer directly on the ground so no
extension plates would be needed.
b. Use a smaller payloader bucket designed to fit in the Viper
City Sizer.
c. Provide instructions and training in safe methods of work to
employees before assigning them to operate,  clean, and service
the equipment.
d. Monitoring the employees operation of equipment and taking
appropriate action to ensure proper use of the
equipment,including adherence to safe practices.
Note:  In addition to abatement certification, the employer is required to
submit
abatement documentation for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.