OSHA Inspection: COMPLETE LAWNWORKS, INC.

Issued

May 7, 2010

Abate by

Jun 9, 2010

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $750

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 operating ExMark zero turn mowers are exposed to crushing and
drowning
hazard(s) due to the potential of the mowers tipping or rolling over when
the mowers are
operated on inclines or when mowers are operated in close proximity to
drop offs, at or near
curbs, lakes and or ponds, on or about 04/02/10.
a. At the site, a zero turn ExMark riding mower serial number 416554,
model
number LZ27KC604, was operated without a rollover protective structure
exposing
employees to the hazard of being crushed by the mower in the event the
mower tips
over. Employees operate the mower on inclines of up to 18.4 degrees as
observed on
or about 04/02/10.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this
hazard would be:
1. Install a properly functioning rollover protection and ensure that
employees
always fully extend the Roll-over Protection system as indicated by the
manufacturer of the equipment (exemptions may include when mowing under
trees with low branches on flat surfaces).
2. Develop and implement an effective written operator training program for
the mower operators which incorporates, at a minimum, that supervisors and
operators be thoroughly trained in the safe operating practices for the
mowers,
and in the recognition of potentially hazardous conditions, such as those
stated
in the "Safety Instructions for Operators" section of the American National
Standard for "Safety Specification for Power Lawn Mowers, Lawn and Garden
Tractors, and lawn Tractor", ANSI B71.1-2003.
3. Follow the manufacturer operating and maintenance instructions found in
the ExMark with 60 in. Side Discharge Mower Model No. 416554 Operator's
Manual which states "operate units with the roll bar in the raised and
locked
position and use seat belt" this includes "mowing up and down" on slopes
greater than 5 degrees and to never mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
4. Use weed-edging equipment and walk behind mowers in the "Safety Zone"
areas (at the edge of waters and near drop offs).
5. Establish and implement unannounced safety audits to ensure all
operators
are following the established safe practices.
6. Establish a progressive disciplinary action policy for employees who
fail to
follow established safe work practices.

Issued

May 7, 2010

Abate by

May 20, 2010

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $600

Issued

May 7, 2010

Abate by

May 20, 2010