OSHA Inspection: CLUB CORP.

Issued

Nov 6, 2012

Abate by

Nov 7, 2012

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1):   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 was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to the hazard of being struck by a tree branch:  On or about August 08, 2012, employee(s) working at the Lakeway Country Club, Austin, Texas, were not adequately trained and instructed in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions associated with tree work before the start of their employment and whenever new unsafe conditions existed. Employee(s) pushed away a branch of an oak tree from the golf cart path towards the green, placing the branch under tension, which had come down and was still hanging from the tree. Employee was sent alone, to Hole #10, to cut the hanging branch. When the cut was made to the lower portion of the tree branch, it released the tension, bounced back striking employee on the forehead, resulting in a head injury.  Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct the hazard is to: 1. Provide proper training for all employees who are engaged in the process of tree trimming. 2. Provide and ensure the proper donning of personal protective equipment. 3. Assess the worksite for hazards and take corrective measures before the beginning of the project. 4. Enlist/seek help, information and/or aid from other professional arborists or other associated organizations as to safe work practices. 5. Follow instructions as reflected in ANSI Z133.1 1994 and ANSI Z133.1 2006 for the safe removal and/or trimming of trees and in qualifying all equipment as being adequate and safe for the job being done. These recommendations also address safe work procedures, instructing each individual of his/her job assignments, clearing all workers not directly involved in an operation out of the area, safety requirements, and etc.   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 is adequately trained and instructed in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions associated with tree work before the start of their employment and whenever new unsafe conditions exist.

Issued

Nov 6, 2012

Abate by

Nov 7, 2012

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $1,300 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1): The employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards were present, or were likely to be present, which necessitated the use of personal protective equipment:  On or about August 08, 2012, an employee was sent to Hole #10, to cut back a branch that was hanging over the golf cart path and the employer did not perform a hazard assessment to determine if hazards were present or were likely to be present, which necessitated the use of personal protective equipment. Employee(s) had pushed away a branch of an oak tree, which had come down and was still hanging from the tree from the golf cart path towards the green, placing the branch under tension. Employee(s) are not provided with hard hats, and are exposed to the hazard of being struck-by tree branches that bounced back due to being placing under tension.  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 employer is conducting assessments of the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment.

Issued

Nov 6, 2012

Abate by

Nov 7, 2012

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $5,000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.135(a)(1): The employer did not ensure that each affected employee wear a protective helmet when working in areas where there is a potential for injury to the head from falling objects:  On or about August 12, 2012, an employee was utilizing a pole saw to cut a branch approximately 6-1/2 inches in diameter and 15 feet long that was under tension without wearing head protection, exposing the employee to the hazard of being struck by the branch.  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 affected employee wears a protective helmet when working in areas where there is a potential for injury to the head from falling objects.