OSHA Inspection: GOOD EARTH GARDEN CENTER AND NURSERY

Issued

Jan 26, 2009

Abate by

Feb 5, 2009

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $2,500

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:
At the Clinton Library worksite located at 1200 President Clinton Avenue in
Little Rock, Arkansas, employees operating a Walker Mower had not been
properly trained in safe work practices where drop off hazards exists.  On
or
about November 10, 2008, and times prior to, employee was instructed to
back
a 2007 Walker Mower, Model #MTLGHS, s/n 07034, to the edge of an
embankment where there was an approximately 10-15 ft. drop off into the
Arkansas River, to dispose of yard clippings when the grass collection
container
became full.  This condition exposed employee to falls from the drop off
into the
river and drowning.
Among others, one feasible and useful means of abatement would be to
effectively implement the following into an employee training program:
(A)Ensure employees do not back mowers near drop offs.
(B)Establish a designated area on a level surface for mower grass
collection containers to be emptied and ensure employees are
knowledgeable of the area designated.
(C)After ensuring employee and mower are on a level surface,
implement the use of a dump bag with handle straps.