OSHA Inspection: THE TREE TENDER

Issued

2012-12-28 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-12-31 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2800.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.332(b)(2): Employees, who were not qualified persons, were not trained in and familiar with any electrically related safety practices not specifically addressed by 29 CFR 1910.331 through 29 CFR 1910.335, but which were necessary for their safety.  On or about July 02, 2012, employees were not trained in electrical safety-related work practices prior to performing tree trimming operations utilizing a 40-foot aluminum extension ladder that was extended 36 feet near 7200 Volt overhead power lines that were 32 feet high, exposing employees to an electrical shock hazard.  Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the date of this citation, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that each employee, who is not a qualified person, is trained in and familiar with any electrically related safety practices specifically addressed by 29 CFR 1910.331 through 29 CFR 1910.335, which are necessary for their safety.

Issued

2012-12-28 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-12-31 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2800.00 · Current $2400.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.333(c)(3)(i)(B): When an unqualified person is working on the ground in the vicinity of overhead lines, the person may not bring any conductive object closer to unguarded, energized overhead lines than the distances given in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(A) of this section.  Note: For voltages normally encountered with overhead power line, objects which do not have an insulating rating for the voltage involved are considered to be conductive.  On or about July 02, 2012, four unqualified employees were performing tree trimming operations utilizing a 40 foot aluminum ladder within 10 feet of 7200 Volt overhead power lines, exposing the employees to an electrical shock hazard.  Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the date of this citation, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that conductive objects are not used within 10 feet of energized overhead lines.

Issued

2012-12-28 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-12-31 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2000.00 · Current $2000.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1904.39(a): The employer did not orally report the death of an employee or the in-patient hospitalization of three or more employees because of a work-related incident.  On or about July 2, 2012, the employer failed to report to OSHA a work-related death of an employee who was engaged in a tree trimming operation and was working with an aluminum ladder. The aluminum ladder was being moved and came into contact with the electrical power line, exposing employees to an electrical shock and death.  Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the date of this citation, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that the employer will orally report, to OSHA within 8 hours, the death of an employee or the in-patient hospitalization of three or more employees because of a work-related incident.