OSHA Inspection: BENHAM LLC

Issued

Dec 8, 2010

Abate by

Dec 13, 2010

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $3,680 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)1 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:
The employer did not furnish to each of his employees 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 drowning
while operating a
riding lawn mower in a sloped grassy area near a body of water:
On or about 07/13/2010, the employer permitted employees to operate riding
lawn mowers
without Roll Over Protection Systems (ROPS) as mandated by the
manufacturer.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard is to ensure the
employer instructs employees on the use of the proper equipment for the
many issues relating
to lawn maintenance. Also, the employer needs to re-install the safety
device (ROPS) back onto
the equipment and retrain operators on the importance of these safety
devices. Use of the
manufacturer's operating manual to ensure proper understanding and
education
on the use of this
equipment is highly recommended.
PLEASE NOTE: DOCUMENTATION AND CERTIFICATION OF ABATEMENT IS
REQUIRED FOR THIS VIOLATION.