OSHA Inspection: NAVARRO LANDSCAPE SERVICES

Issued

Jan 15, 2008

Abate by

Jan 28, 2008

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The
employer did not
furnish to each of his employees 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 and amputation
hazards:
(a)Navarro Landscape Services & 705 Eldorado Blvd., Broomfield, CO: On
or before July 23, 2007, the employer did not ensure that employees
operating
the Walk-Behind eXmark-Metro and the Walker Rider Lawnmower were
adequately trained to recognize the hazards and limitations associated with
operating this equipment. On July 23, 2007, an untrained employee, who was
operating the Walker Rider lawnmower on a 22 degree slope, lost control of
the machine while mowing around a pine tree, fell off his seat, and rolled
down the hill. The lawnmower continued to travel down the hill as well and
ran over the employee at the bottom of the slope, resulting in a right arm
amputation below the elbow. Employees were not properly trained regarding
the safe operation and limitations of this equipment.
Among others, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this
hazard is
to instruct each employee in the safe operation and limitations of
equipment, and
ensuring that the instructions in the manufacturer's operating manual are
followed.
Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for
this item (see
enclosed "Sample Abatement Certification Letter").