OSHA Inspection: S & W TOWER MAINTENANCE, INC.

Issued

Oct 13, 2006

Abate by

Nov 16, 2006

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · 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 fall hazards:
a.On or about June 25, 2006, at the WTVY News tower worksite, the employer
did
not follow recognized industry practices during the removal of tower
antenna
equipment and the hoisting of personnel that included:
1. The rigging, hoist line and slings that were used to hoist personnel
were
installed at a 5:1 safety factor,rather than at the required 10:1 safety
factor;
2. Personnel riding the hoisting line used a positioning device connected
to a
shackle above the hook, rather than a lanyard placed directly in the hook;
3. Personnel were on the hoist line while another load was suspended from
the
same hoist unit;
4. An anti-two-block device was not installed on the personnel hoisting
line.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard
is to follow the guidelines published in the National Association of Tower
Erectors' (NATE) Accident Prevention, Safety and Health Program Guide.
ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED.TION

Issued

Oct 13, 2006

Abate by

Oct 25, 2006

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $1,250 Reduced