OSHA Inspection: HOTOPP EXCAVATING, INC.

Issued

2013-08-06 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2000.00 · Current $1200.00 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    On or about July 15 2013 an employee was observed getting into and riding in the bucket of a John Deere 120C track excavator out of an open excavation. Riding in the bucket exposed the employee to a potential crushing hazard in the excavator's articulating arm and a potential fall hazard in excess of 9' into the open excavation.    Among other methods one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard would be to place a ladder in the excavation for access and egress as well as to follow the Association of Equipment Manufacturers safety manual for hydraulic excavators which states "Never use a bucket for a work platform or personnel carrier."

Issued

2013-08-06 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2000.00 · Current $1100.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.20(b)(2):     Such programs shall provide for frequent and regular inspections of the job sites, materials, and equipment to be made by competent persons designated by the employers:    - Frequent and regular inspections of the site were not conducted in that employees were working in a excavation without sidewall protection and riding in the bucket of an excavator.

Issued

2013-08-06 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2800.00 · Current $1100.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.652(a)(1):     Each employee in an excavation shall be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system designed in accordance with paragraph (b) or (c) of this section:     -Employees were exposed to potential cave in hazards in that they were working in the bottom of an open excavation measuring 9'-10" in depth with no sidewall protection.