OSHA Inspection: EXCAVATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Issued

Dec 11, 2012

Abate by

Dec 21, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $2,400 Reduced

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 hazards of caught in between and falling:     Worksite: The employer did not ensure through visual observation, instruction and/or providing appropriate means that employees were not riding/hanging onto bucket/backhoe or other parts of heavy construction equipment, such as (but not limited to) earthmoving equipment in order to gain access into/from any working surfaces.     On or about 10/16/2012, an employee was alowed to ride/hang onto a chain that was attached to the bucket of the Caterpillar backhoe loader in order to gain access to the bottom of an excavation ito relocate a water sump pump that was placed on the bottom of the 11 feet excavation/trench.     Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method is:    1. Follow the owner's manual for the Caterpillar backhoe loader.  2. Train and Instruct employees in the proper and safe ways of having access to any working surfaces.  3. Provide employees with appropriate and safe means.  4. Utilize other appropriate and safe menas.

Issued

Dec 11, 2012

Abate by

Dec 21, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $2,000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.651(c)(2): A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress was not located in trench excavations that were 4 feet (1.22m) or more in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet (7.62m) of lateral travel for employees:    Worksite: The employee who was working in the approximately 11 foot deep trench/excavation was not provided with a means of egress by the use of a stairway, ramp or ladder.

Issued

Dec 11, 2012

Abate by

Dec 21, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $2,800

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.651(j)(2): Protection was not provided by placing and keeping excavated or other materials or equipment at least 2 feet (.61m) from the edge of excavations, or by the use of retaining devices that were sufficient to prevent materials or equipment from falling or rolling into excavations, or by a combination of both if necessary.    Worksite: The earth moving equipment was not placed at least 2 feet away from the edge of the 11 feet deep trench/excavation while an employee was working in the trench/excavation.

Issued

Dec 11, 2012

Abate by

Dec 21, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.652(a)(1): Each employee in an excavation was not protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system designed in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.652(c).     Worksite: The employee who was working in the approximately 11 foot deep trench/excavation was not provided with cave in protection.

Issued

Dec 11, 2012

Abate by

Dec 21, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.651(k)(1): Daily inspections of excavations, the adjacent areas, and protective systems were not made by a competent person for evidence of a situation that could have resulted in possible cave-ins, indications of failure of protective systems:    Worksite: An inspection of the trench/excavation and adjacent area was not made by a competent person for evidence of a situation that could have resulted in a cave-in or other hazardous conditions.