OSHA Inspection: EXCEL TRANSPORT, INC.

Issued

Jan 8, 2007

Abate by

Apr 2, 2007

Penalty

Initial $1,750 · Current $1,000 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 was free from
recognized hazards that
were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to
employees in that
employees were exposed to a fall from the top of a chip/shavings/sawdust
trailer:
(a)On or about December 18, 2006, and at times prior thereto, the employer
failed to takes steps to ensure that no employees (drivers) stand on the
top of
the roll-top trailers in order to tarp the load without the use of fall
protection.
Employees were exposed to fall hazards of approximately 12 feet 11.5 inches
from the top of the "roll-top" trailer.
(b)On or about December 18, 2006, and at times prior thereto, the employer
failed to takes steps to ensure that no employees (drivers) stand on the
top of
the pull-top trailers in order to tarp the load without the use of fall
protection.
Employees were exposed to fall hazards of approximately 13 feet 8 inches
from the top of the "pull-top" trailer.
Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct
this
hazard
include:
1. Develop and enforce a policy prohibiting access to the tops of trailers.
2. Use of fall protection such as the use of adjacent catwalks with guard
rails, or a
full body harness properly anchored.  NOTE: The employer may need to
coordinate
with the facility owner(s) to accomplish.
3. Use of a ladder and rake to level the load prior to tarping.
4. Working with the mills to install sweeps or another method to ensure
loads do not
extend beyond to top of the trailers.
Note: Abatement certification required for this item.