OSHA Inspection: SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL INC.

Issued

Feb 18, 2009

Abate by

Feb 24, 2009

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $1,000 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 a place of employment which was 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 a garbage truck
that was backing up.
On or about December 20, 2008, an employee was exposed to the hazard
produced by
a garbage truck backing up while they are in the near vicinity.  Predawn
darkness
compounded the danger.  The hazard was recognized and foreseen by the
company.  The
company safety manual specifically addresses safety while backing up and
employees are
trained on the proper procedures to minimize the risk.  The company safety
manager told
the CSHO that industry associations they deal with reported there had been
a large
number of employees run over by garbage trucks in the December 2008 -
January 2009
time frame.  This hazard caused a fatality when an employee tried to jump
onto the side
of the truck at or near the intersection of Venture Blvd and Valhi Street.
This employee
slipped, fell behind the truck, and was run over.  One method of
abatement, among other
feasible methods, is to use a spotter when the truck is backing up.  This
is actually called
for in the company's safety manual.  ABATEMENT VERIFICATION AND
CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS ITEM.  Certification shall include a
statement that the abatement is complete, the date and method of
abatement, and states
that employees were informed of the abatement.  Verification shall include
documentation
and or photographs of the above.