OSHA Inspection: WILBUR L. ANDERSON INC. DBA WESTERN TOWERS

Issued

Jul 11, 2006

Abate by

Jul 17, 2006

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,100 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 fall hazards while working on a radio communications tower
while the tower
was being unbolted and was in danger of collapsing:
At the radio communications tower removal/demolition project at the TXDOT
maintenance facility, the employer did not ensure that employees were
protected
from falls while working on an unstable tower that had been unbolted.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct
this hazard is to have employees work from an aerial lift, manbasket, or
other
elevated position where the employee does not attach to the tower.

Issued

Jul 11, 2006

Abate by

Aug 25, 2006

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $2,100

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 struckby hazards while working near a radio communications
tower while the
tower was being unbolted and was in danger of collapsing:
At the radio communications tower removal/demolition project at the TXDOT
maintenance facility, employees were exposed to struckby hazards from a
tower
collapse when working in the vicinity of an unstable tower.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard
is to develop a demolition plan with a defined sequence of events where
each
employee is aware of each action being taken in regard to tower
dismantling.  A
necessary component of this plan is providing a means of positive
communications among these employees regarding exactly which step is being
performed so that all employees are aware of the processes undertaken and
can
clear the area when appropriate.

Issued

Jul 11, 2006

Abate by

Jul 17, 2006

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,000 Reduced