OSHA Inspection: WASTE MANAGEMENT OF WISCONSIN

Issued

Mar 13, 2009

Abate by

Mar 31, 2009

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $3,150 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 struck-by hazards by the Portable Landfill Tipper.
On or about October 6, 2008, employees operating and working near the Low
Profile
Portable Landfill Tipper were exposed to struck-by hazards as a result of:
(a)The two cylinders failed after the down cycle was stopped prior to
reaching the
second stage, creating a pressure spike in the hydraulic system resulting
in a
failure of the hydraulic cylinders, and exposing employees to struck-by
hazards
from the rapid descent of the platform.
(b)The tipper was loaded in excess of the manufacturer's listed limit,
exposing
employees to stuck-by hazards from the rapid descent of the platform.
Among others, feasible and acceptable methods of abating the above
conditions would
be to:
(a)Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
(b)Ensure that the loads are not in excess of the limits on the tipper, by
partially
emptying trailers that are weighed in excess of the limits on the tipper.
(c)Ensure that operators are instructed and informed of the proper
procedures to take
when loads are stuck in the trailers.