OSHA Inspection: OHIO CAT

Issued

Feb 2, 2010

Abate by

Feb 5, 2010

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not
furnish employmnent 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: A caught between hazard.
On 8 September 2009, an employee's shoulder, arm and foot were injured
when the scissors-lift
that he was operating toppled over onto the ground.  The employer failed
to recognize the
hazard associated with delivering a scissors-lift to the worksite during
raining conditions.  While
in the performance of his duties, the operator  attempted to back the lift
down the ramp of the
flatbed truck, while siutated on a slippery (wet) inclined surface.  The
surface caused the
scissors-lift to shift to the side and slide down the ramp sideways.  Upon
reaching the bottom,
the lift then toppled over onto the ground.  The employee hoping to escape
the fall, jumped from
lift.  The lift subsequently fell on his foot and threw him to the ground,
injuring
him.
ANSI/SIAA92.6-1990 Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms, Section 7.6
Model Training
states: The operator shall be trained either on the same model of aerial
platform or one having
operating characteristics and controls consistent with the one to be used
during actual worksite
operation.  ...Only properly trained and authorized personnel shall be
permitted to operate the
aerial platform.
Section 8.7 Workplace Inspection: Before the aerial platform is used and
during use, the
operator shall check the area in which the aerial platform is to be used
for possible hazards such
as, but not limited to: (6) Inadequate surface and support to withstand
all load forces imposed
by the aerial platform in all operating configurations. (8) Other possible
unsafe conditions.
JLG Operation and Safety Manual, ANSI/CE P/N3121165, April 11, 2007,
Section
3.3
Operating Characteristic and Limitations: Stability: This machine, as
orginally manufactured by
JLG and operated within its rated capacity on a smooth, firm and level
supporting surface,
provides a stable aerial platform for all platform positions.
Feasible means of abatement include and are not limited to:
1.Train operating employees to properly inspect the vehicle prior to use
and to recognize
potential hazards which could cause accidents and injuries.
2.Train employees to follow proper operation procedures such as ensuring
that there is
sufficent surface and ground support for operating scissors-lifts.
3.If utilizing a flatbed truck to deliver the scissors-lift, be sure to
use the truck's wench
when surface conditions warrant a safer means of delivery without exposing
an employee
to a hazard.e