OSHA Inspection: GREENBRIAR LANDSCAPING, INC.

Issued

Nov 9, 2005

Abate by

Nov 25, 2005

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $3,500

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(s) of crushing and/or drowning due to potential
roll-overs while
operating riding mowers:
a) for the employees operating the Toro brand riding mowers (Models 74244 &
74247) on slopes greater than 15 degrees, as observed on or about October
20,
2005 in the Shoreshore Falls subdivision along MillerMac Road in Apollo
Beach,
Florida.  On this date employees were observed mowing across the face of
the
slopes and at the edge of a drainage and retention canal.  The Roll-Over
Protection bars were not fully extended and one mower had already slid
into the
edge of the canal.  The angle of the slopes ranged from 19 - 23 degrees;
the
maximum slope for this equipment, as per the manufacturer was 15 degrees.
Abatement Note(s): Means of feasible abatement include, but may not be
limited
to, the following:
1. Establish and implement a formal training program which
follows the manufacturer's operating instructions:  This includes
"mowing up and down" slopes greater than 5 degrees; never
mowing across the face of slopes; and, never mowing on slopes
greater than 15 degrees.  Use weed-edging equipment and walk-
behind mowers in the "Safety Zone" areas (at the edge of waters,
or near drop-offs).  Never mow up and down slopes using a walk-
behind mower.  Training must be in the language that employees
can fully understand.
2. Ensure employees have copies of the manufacturer's Safety Tips
for ZRT riding mowers.
3. Ensure employees have copies and understand how to use the
manufacturer's "slope chart" from the "Think and Live Safely"
pamphlet.
4. Ensure operators always fully extend the Roll-over Protection
system as indicated by the manufacturer (exceptions may include
when under trees with low branches on flat surfaces).
5. Establish and implement unannounced safety audits to ensure all
operators are following the established safe practices.
6. Establish a progressive disciplinary policy for employees who
fail to follow established safe work practices.