OSHA Inspection: TAFE-LANDSCAPING SERVICES DBA TAFE-ALOHA TREE EXPE

Issued

Apr 23, 2012

Abate by

May 29, 2012

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $750

General-duty citation text

HAR 12-60-2(a)(3) was violated because:
The employer failed to control all existing and potential hazards within
the workplace in a
timely manner, using safe work practices, e.g. providing adequate
inspections for tree
climbing and trimming safety prior to allowing each employee to climb a
tree, implementing
standard operating procedures (aka "SOP"), etc.  On the day of the
accident, an employee
assigned to trim a coconut palm tree sustained fatal injuries when the
tree that he was
climbing toppled and fell on him.
12-60-2(a)(3) states "Every employer shall provide safe work places and
practices by
elimination or reduction of existing or potential hazards.  Elimination of
existing or potential
hazards by design, process substitution, or other appropriate methods is
preferred because it
eliminates the need for further employee protection.  When elimination is
not feasible,
reduction of existing or potential hazards to acceptable levels,
isolation,
or guarding, shall be
acceptable levels, personal protective equipment shall be provided and
used."
Location:  Project site at 524 N Kalaheo Ave