OSHA Inspection: RIDGE ERECTION COMPANY

Issued

Dec 1, 2006

Abate by

Sep 30, 2007

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,250 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 due to an improperly
utilized/installed support
system:
a)  Ridge Erection Company, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO:  On or about July
20th, 2006, the employer improperly used a "Cooper B-Line" metal framing
system for rigging and installing steel columns each weighing
approximately 420
pounds.  While lifting a steel column, the "hoist ring" mechanism
separated from
the channel nut assembly seriously injuring an employee.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct
this hazard is to follow the "Guidelines For The Use Of Metal Framing"
publication (2004 revision) and confer with the engineering firm
responsible
for
the design of the project to assure that the use of a particular insert is
appropriate.
b)  On or about July 20th, 2006, employees of the company utilized an
improperly installed Cooper B-Line brand "Strut Support System" to lift
and place
steel columns. While lifting a steel column weighing approximately 420
pounds
each, the hoist ring mechanism separated from the channel nut assembly
seriously
injuring an employee.  During the installation of the hoist ring mechanism
into
the channel nut assembly, pliers (leatherman) were used to tighten the
mounting
screw assembly (hoist ring) into the channel nut. The torque amount
recommended by the manufacturer was not determined.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct
this hazard is to use a torque wrench thereby ensuring that the
manufacturers
torque recommendation is obtained.
c)  On or about July 20th, 2006, employees of the company utilized an
improperly installed Cooper B-Line brand "Strut Support System" to lift
and place
steel columns. While lifting a steel column weighing approximately 420
pounds
each, the hoist ring mechanism separated from the channel nut assembly
seriously
injuring an employee. The continuous concrete insert was found to have been
recessed into the poured-in-place concrete ceiling.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct
this hazard is to follow the American Drill Bushing company Safety
Procedures
document thereby ensuring that the mounting surface is flat and smooth for
full
contact with the "hoist ring" prior to use.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required
for this item (See
enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").-Certification