OSHA Inspection: PAFF LANDSCAPE, INC

Issued

Oct 13, 2011

Abate by

Nov 15, 2011

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,900 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 a crushing hazard due to potential roll-over when
operating zero turn mowers
at areas with a drop off such as curbing, on or about 09/09/11
a. At the site, three Turf Tiger Scag mowers, were operated without
rollover protective
structures exposing employees to the hazard of being crushed by the mowers
in the event
of tipping over. The mowers were operated near 8 inch curbing with an
incline of 24.7
degrees.
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.
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 instructions and "Safe Operating
Practices". This
includes the "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

Oct 13, 2011

Abate by

Nov 15, 2011

Penalty

Initial $2,100