OSHA Inspection: VACA UNDERGROUND UTILITIES, INC.

Issued

May 22, 2013

Abate by

Jun 11, 2013

Penalty

Initial $3,080 · Current $3,080

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.651(j)(2): Employees were not protected from excavated or other materials or equipment that could pose a hazard by falling or rolling into excavations. Protection by placing and keeping such materials or equipment at least 2 feet from the edge of excavations, or by the use of retaining devices that are sufficient to prevent materials or equipment from falling or rolling into excavations, or by a combination of both if necessary was not provided.     The employer does not protect employees from excavated material that could pose a hazard by falling or rolling into the excavation.  This violation was observed on or about May 14, 2013, at the job site where employees were exposed to a struck by and crush by hazards when working in an excavation that had the spoil piles at the edge of the excavation.     Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, 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 employees are protected by keeping excavated materials or equipment at least 2 feet from the edge of the excavation.

Issued

May 22, 2013

Abate by

Jun 11, 2013

Penalty

Initial $1,760 · Current $1,760

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1): Portable ladders were used for access to an upper landing surface and the ladder side rails did not extend to at least 3 feet (.9m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder was used to gain access nor was the ladder secured at it's top to a rigid support and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, provided to assist the employee in mounting and dismounting the the ladder.     The employer does not ensure that when a portable ladder is used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access. This violation occurred on or about May 14, 2013, at the excavation site where employees were exposed to a fall hazard when using a ladder that was too short that did not extend three feet past the ground level surface of the excavation and was not secured at its top to a rigid support.     Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, 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 all ladders used by employees extend three feet past the upper landing surface.