OSHA Inspection: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR

Issued

Nov 26, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(b)(9): The distance between the abrasive wheel periphery(s) and the adjustable tongue or the end of the safety guard peripheral member at the top exceeded one fourth inch:   Cherokee Central Facility Maintenance Shop: The tongue guard on a Baldor grinder was not equipped with a guard with a maximum opening of one-fourth inch.

Issued

Nov 26, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1960.8(a):  The Agency head did not furnish employment and a place of employment to each employee that were free from recognized hazards that caused or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm:  130 Ravens Ford Drive, Cherokee Central School:  (a) On or about 08/28/13, employee was operating a 42" Husqvarna mower, ID# ZTHKQ4218A on a 19 degree slope and was exposed to the hazard of the mower rolling over.  Employee sustained injuries that lead to his death. Employee was found incapacitated under the equipment with the riding lawnmower laying on top of his body. (b) On or about 08/28/13, at the workplace, the employer did not ensure that Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) and a seatbelt were installed on the Hustler Z 72" zero turn lawnmower model #927061 in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, to prevent injury and/or death in the event of a roll over.  Among feasible methods of abatement to correct this hazard are: (a) 1. Keep lawn mower tractors from the edges of the (sloped) embankments and train employees on the proper use of safety equipment including, but not limited to,  Provide tools to ensure that employees stay away from the edges of unprotected edges. 2. Evaluate the terrain and any potentially sloped conditions by a qualified person to ensure that the mower is operated at safe speeds and safe distances from such hazards. (b) the use of Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) and seat belts in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and enforce their usage.3. Develop, implement, and enforce procedures to prevent employees from coming into close proximity to unprotected edges when performing landscaping work. 4. Train all employees regarding new procedures when one is put in place, and prior to the beginning of each season. 5. Ensure that hazards listed in equipment manufacturer operators manuals and other relevant references are included in the JHAs and are routinely reviewed by the employees.