OSHA Inspection: METRA INDUSTRIES INC

Issued

Apr 18, 2011

Abate by

Jul 21, 2011

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,700 Reduced

General-duty citation text

40.1- 51.1(a) of the Code of Virginia:  The employer, Metra Industries,
Inc., did not furnish a
place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that were
causing or likely to
cause death or serious physical harm to an employee who was not trained,
or qualified to
perform the duties of a rigger or banksman.
Fractures, contusions and associated soft tissue injuries by not training
the employee in the
operating practices and guidance on safe sling use.  On February 9, 2011,
at 2150 Penn Park
Lane, Charlottesville, Va., a worker was struck by a 48" ductile iron
sanitary sewer pipe during
the lifting process.  As the CAT 265B Excavator raised the pipe it shifted
or rolled catching the
employee between the elevated pipe and the rock box.
One feasible and acceptable method of abatement, among other methods, to
correct this
hazard is to ensure the worker, performing the duties of a rigger or
banksman, is properly
trained in safe sling practices to conform with AMSE B30.9 - 1910: Section
9 - 2.9 -(e)
Operating Practices, American National Standard Safety Code for Wire Rope
Slings.