OSHA Inspection: LEPPERT MACHINE COMPANY, INC.

Issued

Feb 24, 2010

Abate by

Mar 22, 2010

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,050 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 likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees, in that
employees were
exposed to falling loads due to the lack of safety latches on hoist hooks.
a)  On or about February 19, 2010, the employer did not ensure that the
overhead bridge crane
# 145 had a safety latch on the hook.  Employees hoist metal parts from
the floor to the CNC
machines to be machined.  The load could be dislodged from the hook,
exposing employees to
crush injuries
b)  On or about February 19, 2010, the employer did not ensure that the
overhead bridge crane
# 136 had a safety latch on the hook.  Employees hoist metal parts from
the floor to many types
of metal machining tools.  The load could be dislodged from the hook,
exposing employees to
crush injuries.
Among other methods, a feasible abatement method to correct this hazard is
to comply with the
requirements of ASME B30.16-2007 "Overhead Hoists (Underhung)  Section
16-1.2.9 Hooks
"If hooks are of the swiveling type, they should rotate freely.  Hooks
shall be equipped with
latches unless use of the latch creates a hazardous condition.  When
required, a latch shall be
provided to bridge the throat opening of the hook and retain, under slack
condtions, such items
as, but not limited to, slings and chains".