OSHA Inspection: JC TREE & LAWN SERVICE

Issued

2011-04-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2011-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4200.00 · Current $3000.00 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 causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to
employees in that employees
were exposed to fall hazards caused by inadequately maintained safety
equipment:
a) 1045 Grape Street, Whitehall PA - On or about 29 December 2010,
employees
(arborists) were climbing trees, approximately 30 feet above grade in
order to
trim trees.  The ropes and other climbing equipment including, but not
limited to
climbing lines, worklines, and lanyards were not inspected for damage,
cuts,
abrasion, and/or deterioration before each use such that they could be
removed
from service if signs of excessive wear or damage were found.
Abatement Note: Among other methods one feasible and acceptable method to
correct this
hazard would be to ensure that employees follow the Safety Requirements as
outlined in the
ANSI Standard Z133.1-2006, Para. 8.1.4 - Safety Requirements for
Arboricultural Operations:
Arborists shall inspect climbing lines, worklines, lanyards and other
climbing equipment for
damage, cuts, abrasion, and/or deterioration before each use and shall
remove them from service
if signs of excessive wear or damage are found.
Abatement certification and documentation required within 10 days after
abatement date.  The
certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, the
date and method of
abatement, and state that employees and their representatives were
informed of this abatement.
Abatement documentation shall include documents demonstrating that
abatement is complete,
such as evidence of the purchase or repair of equipment, photographic or
video evidence of
abatement or other written records.