OSHA Inspection: PARAMEDICS PLUS

Issued

Jun 15, 2005

Abate by

Aug 8, 2005

Penalty

Initial $6,300 · Current $6,300

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 being struck by moving vehicles while crossing
an active traffic
area:
a) Material Management Assistants (MMAs), during the performance of their
routine work activities, were required to cross an active traffic area to
access
the parked emergency vehicles without being afforded the protection of
available engineering controls and administrative controls.  Additionally,
emergency vehicles were being operated with their back-up alarms in a
disengaged mode. The alarm switch required a separate action by the driver
in
order to operate when the ambulance is put in reverse, and it had not been
engaged.  On or about December 28, 2004 at 12490 Ulmerton Rd. in Largo,
Florida, an employee was fatally injured when struck-by an ambulance moving
in reverse direction.
Abatement Note(s): Reasonable and adequate methods to abate this hazard
exist, and may include, but are not limited to, the following:
a)  Engineering Controls:
(i) Redirecting the electronic components of the back-up alarm
system, where it becomes functional while the vehicle is in the
reverse mode.
(ii) Incorporation of speed bumps and/or posted speed limit,
such as to reduce the speed of vehicles in the active, traffic,
parking area.
(iii) Communication to all personnel of the potential of crossing
employees by the application of crosswalk pavement markings
according to MUTCD, Subpart 1A.05.  Maintenance of these
markings in proper condition is important to indicate crosswalk
areas to motorists, employees and other pedestrians.  Drivers
must be warned of the location of crosswalks and other hazards
where they are not normally evident.  Section 3B-18 MUTCD
reads, "Since non-intersectional pedestrian crossings are
generally unexpected by the motorist, warning signs (Section
2C-31) should be installed and adequate visibility provided by
parking prohibitions."  The traffic lanes are clearly non-
intersectional.  Additionally, MUTCD Section 2C-32
recommends the use of pedestrian warning signs to "assist the
vehicle operator in defining the specific point of crossing."
(iv) Additional illumination in the emergency vehicle parking
area, for a much clearer visibility during the night shift and/or
dark working hours.  Evaluate the use of reflective
vests/clothing to increase pedestrian visibility.
b) Administrative Controls:
(i) Prohibition of employees crossing behind vehicles which
have severe blind areas to the rear.
(ii) Periodic inspection of the workplace by employer to evaluate
employee compliance with lane crossing work rules, with
particular emphasis on achieving eye contact and proper
communication before proceeding, and the implementation of
effective progressive disciplinary action to correct deficiencies.
(iii) Periodic audits by management to ensure operators of
moving vehicles are complying with the posted speed limit.
This to include the implementation of effective progressive
disciplinary action to correct deficiencies.