OSHA Inspection: BME & SONS, INC.

Issued

Aug 1, 2013

Abate by

Sep 30, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,618 · Current $1,965 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section 5(a)(1): 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 the hazard of being struck by the backhoe's bucket:     (a) Near the north side of the Agriculture and Life Science Buildings A and B on or about February 25, 2013, and at times prior thereto, 2, 4-inch long by ¼ inch diameter bolts were substituted for the manufacturer's retaining pins or equivalent to secure the front bucket onto pivot pins on a John Deere 410 D backhoe.  The backhoe was used the week before the inspection to dig a 20 by 20 foot by 16 inch deep hole.  Concrete was placed in the hole for an air conditioning unit.     Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to: (1) Follow the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) "Safety Manual for Operating and Maintenance Personnel" which requires that damaged and missing parts be repaired or replaced with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). (2) Follow the Manufacturer's Operator's Manual by using only service parts meeting the manufacturer specifications. (3) Train operators and maintenance personnel to inspect equipment for defects and to complete service and repairs before equipment is returned to service.