OSHA Inspection: GREAT PLAINS TOWERS

Issued

Mar 1, 2005

Abate by

Mar 8, 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 was free from
recognized hazards that
were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to
employees in that employees
were exposed to fall hazards:
(a) On or about January 19, 2005, two employees fell while being lifted by
a drum hoist
to replace antenna components on a 400-foot communication tower located 2
miles south
of Minot, North Dakota. The wedge socket assembly failed and released the
headache
ball and two employees from the hoist line. The components used in the
wedge socket
assembly were not compatible and not selected, used and inspected in
accordance with
the manufacturer's recommendations. The trial lifts, pre-lift meetings,
inspections, and
proof tests were not documented and maintained on the site. The employees
were hoisted
during adverse weather conditions (snow).
Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means of abatement would be
to:
1) Follow the manufacturer's specifications for the use and installation
of wedge socket
assembly components to assure compatibility.
2) Follow all guidelines established by OSHA CPL 2-1.36 Interim Inspection
Procedures
During Communication Tower Construction Activities.
3) Follow all applicable guidelines established by the National
Association of Tower
Erectors (NATE).
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required
for this item (see
enclosed "Sample Abatement Certification Letter").tion