OSHA Inspection: PIER 1 IMPORTS, INC.

Issued

Mar 7, 2008

Abate by

Mar 12, 2008

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $5,000

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The
employer did not
provide a place of employment that was free from recognized hazards that
were likely to cause
death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees who unloaded
trailers with
powered industrial trucks were exposed to fall, crush and struck by
hazards because the
employer did not ensure that all powered industrial trucks had exited the
trailers before they
were moved from the dock.
Receiving Dock.  The employer's unload procedures for "live loads"
(coupled tractor-
trailers at dock with driver having access to vehicle) did not ensure that
a trailer would
not be moved from the dock until all powered industrial trucks had exited
the trailer.
A feasible method of abatement, among others, would be to develop and
implement a
dock safety program for employees, which includes some or all of the
following
provisions:
a)Policy prohibiting truck drivers from coupling or moving trailers in the
dock area
until the truck driver has effectively verified, or another employee has
effectively
verified and communicated to the truck driver, that all employees and
equipment
have been removed from the trailer and surrounding dock and yard areas.
b)System for notifying truck drivers when it is safe to enter and exit the
dock area.
Sample methods include 1) Stop/go lights on the inside and outside of docks
informing truck drivers and PIT operators when it is safe to enter and
exit the
dock and trailer areas and/or 2) Policy that dock doors be down when
trailers are
moving in and out of the dock and/or 3) policy that drivers not be
provided with
completed paperwork until someone verifies that unloading is complete.
c)Prevent driver pullaway by prohibiting driver access to vehicle cab
during
unloading.  E.g., 1) Require drivers to wait in a designated waiting area
if tractor
is attached to trailer and/or  2) "Deadline" trailer with a lockout device
applied
to the emergency brake, which must be removed before the airline can be
reconnected (Pier 1 associate keeps key until unloading is complete).
d)Develop and implement written safe work procedures for "live unloading"
of
trailers.  Train all affected employees, including contracted drivers, on
established
procedures.
e) Monitor work practices to assure compliance with safety rules.
Establish and
enforce discipline policy.
There is no abatement certification or documentation required for this
item.

Issued

Mar 7, 2008

Abate by

Mar 12, 2008