OSHA Inspection: O & G INDUSTRIES

Issued

Nov 1, 2007

Abate by

Dec 20, 2007

Penalty

Initial $4,500

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 of being crushed by unsecured steel pilings.
Route 7 Bypass Project, Brookfield, CT:  Steel pilings of various lengths
were being cut and
allowed to fall to the ground.  On or about 07/13/07 an employee was
injured when a steel
piling approximately 13'4" long and weighing approximately 1,036 lbs fell
as it was being cut,
striking the employee on his shoulder/back.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method is to:
1)  Secure the piling to a crane prior to and as it is being cut.  Once
the piling has been cut,
remove it immediately from the area before beginning to cut the next
piling.
2)  Designate a spotter to ensure that all non-essential personnel are
free and clear of the area
prior to felling the piling.
3)  Provide training to all exposed employees on proper procedures around
piling cutting.es