OSHA Inspection: KINDER MORGAN

Issued

Dec 10, 2008

Abate by

Dec 24, 2008

Penalty

Initial $1,375 · Current $962 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 a caught between/crushing hazard:
a) Urea Storage Dome, reclaim area - Employees were lifted in the bucket
of a
Komatsu 480W wheeled loader to inspect a transfer bin, exposing them to a
caught between/crushing injury, on or about September 30, 2008.
Among other methods, one feasible and accepted means of abatement would be
to follow the
guidelines and procedures outlined in SAE J153, Surface Vehicle
Recommended Practice,
regarding adherence to operators manuals and manufacturer guidelines with
regards to the
location/actions of bystanders and riders. Manufacturer warnings contained
on page 21 in the
Komatsu 480 Operator's Manual explicitly states "never use the bucket as a
work platform or
personnel carrier".
Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The
certification shall
include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of
abatement, and states
employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.