OSHA Inspection: CLARENCE WELTI ASSOCIATES, INC

Issued

Feb 8, 2011

Abate by

Apr 3, 2011

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $5,000 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 the hazard of crushing injuries or death:
Worksite:  Employees were exposed to crushing injuries resulting from
rollovers while operating
a Bombardier Muskeg tractor equipped with an unapproved drill rig on a 40
percent sloped hill
with heavy forestation and rough terrain.
On or about August 10, 2010, the operator was killed when the tractor
rolled over while
traveling horizontally on the hill, ejected the operator from the cab, and
was crushed underneath
the cab.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard is to:
1.Determine the operational range and limitations of the tractor, which
would include
notifying and consulting with the manufacturer or a qualified engineer on
the addition of the drill
assembly to the carrier.
2.Provide the employees with training and instructions based on the new
and or modified
maximum operational gradeability / stability for travel and operational
design limitations for
various types of terrain on which the machine will operate.
3.Inspect slopes and plan a proper path of travel for the work area.
Construct and maintain
an appropriate grade to safely accommodate the movement of the tractor.