OSHA Inspection: WILLIAMS FARMS

Issued

Jun 16, 2009

Abate by

Jul 19, 2009

Penalty

Initial $6,300 · Current $5,040 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 from moving vehicles in the fields:
a) Employees planting tomato seeds at 43510 Niel Road, Punta Gorda, FL,
were
exposed to struck-by hazards in that, vehicle operators delivering
agricultural
supplies and water to the field can lose sight of workers who work in close
proximity to the vehicle's travel path.  No procedures such as, but not
limited to,
engineering and/or administrative controls were in place for the safe
operation of
vehicles in the fields.
Abatement Note(s): Reasonable and adequate methods to abate this hazard
exist,
and may include, but are not limited to, the following:
1)Engineering Controls:
(a) Minimize the use of vehicles in the farm areas where
employees are engaged in farming activities such as, but not
limited to the planting of tomato seeds.
(b) Posting of warning signs to inform vehicle operators of the
presence of workers in the field(s) and the appropriate safe driving
practices (e.g., not backing up in the vicinity of workers).
(c) Install and/or require the use of back-up alarms or other similar
warning devices on all vehicles used on the farm.
2)Work Practice / Administrative Controls:
(a) Schedule the setting of equipment, materials, drinking water
and other employee daily needed supplies, prior to the employees'
start up of daily activities in the farm.
(b) Prohibit employees from approaching vehicles from the rear of
the vehicle and drivers from operating the vehicles with rage
behavior.
(c)  Periodic audits by management to ensure operators of moving
vehicles are complying with the company's policies.
Implementation of effective progressive disciplinary action to
correct deficiencies.
(d) Instruct vehicle operators to always drive in a forward motion
when employees are working in the vicinity of the vehicles travel
path.l