OSHA Inspection: GATOR PROPERTY SERVICES, LLC

Issued

Mar 8, 2011

Abate by

Mar 12, 2011

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $1,530 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 are exposed to a crushing and/or drowning hazard due to
potential roll-over when
operating zero turn ride-on mowers at areas of variable slope and at
sloped embankments in
close proximity to lakes or ponds or near curbing drop off, on or about
02/15/11.
a. Rollover protection was not installed on a John Deere riding mower
Z-Track,
model 717A; employees operating the mower are exposed to a crushing hazard
in the
event the mower over turns when mowing near curbing and sloped embankment
as
observed on or about 02/15/11.
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 Protective systems per manufacturers
instructions,
(exemptions may include when mowing under trees with low branches on flat
surfaces).
2. Develop and implement a training program for the mower operators that
requires
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 instructions for the equipment
operated near
lakes, drop offs and sloped embankments.
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

Mar 8, 2011

Abate by

Mar 14, 2011

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $1,530 Reduced

Issued

Mar 8, 2011

Abate by

Mar 14, 2011

Penalty

Initial $1,800 · Current $940 Reduced

Issued

Mar 8, 2011

Abate by

Mar 14, 2011