OSHA Inspection: TOPAR WELDING, INC.

Issued

Dec 5, 2006

Abate by

Jul 1, 2007

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $300 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 crushing hazards when working in close proximity
to raised
loads:
1) On October 23, 2006, an employee was exposed to crushing hazards while
working in
close proximity to a raised load.  The employee was a helper to a welder
who was preparing
to weld two sections of pipe together that were elevated off the ground.
One of the pipe
sections was supported by the bucket of a backhoe.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard is to ensure
that employees follow safety precautions listed in the backhoe
manufacturer's operator's
manual which states 'Keep all persons away from raised load until blocks
are
supporting it or
load is sitting on the ground'.  This could be accomplished by supporting
sections of pipe to
be welded with skids or hydraulic jacks after the pipes are in place for
welding.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation is required for
this item
(see enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").-Certification