OSHA Inspection: C. TUCKER COPE & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Issued

Nov 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,470 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.651(k)(2):  Where the competent person found evidence of a situation that could result in possible cave-in, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions, exposed employee(s) was/were not removed from the hazardous area until the necessary precautions had been taken to ensure their safety:    a)  Jobsite, 88 Murtland Avenue, Washington, Pennsylvania 15301:  Observed on or about September 23, 2013, where evidence of a situation that could have resulted in a possible cave-in was found, the competent person did not remove employees from the hazardous areas until the necessary precautions had been taken to ensure their safety.  Employees engaged in stripping panel and other activities were exposed to struck-by and engulfment hazards while working near the northwest and northeast walls.

Issued

Nov 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,450 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). The employer had not complied with the provisions of 29 CFR 1926.652(b)(1)(i) in that the excavation was sloped at an angle steeper than one and one-half horizontal to one vertical (34 degrees measured from the horizontal):   a)  Northwest wall, Jobsite, 88 Murtland Avenue, Washington, Pennsylvania 15301:  Observed on or about September 23, 2013, employees engaged in the removal of panels and other activities near the northwest wall of the excavation were exposed not protected from cave-ins.  The northwest wall was approximately 16 feet in height with a near vertical slope.  Employees working in the area of pier on the northwest corner of the jobsite were exposed to struck-by and engulfment hazards.       b) Northeast wall, Jobsite, 88 Murtland Avenue, Washington, Pennsylvania 15301:  Observed on or about September 23, 2013, employees engaged the movement of panels and materials near the plastic covered hillside located alongside the exterior side of the northeast wall were not protected from cave-ins.  The wall was approximately 16 feet in height with a near vertical slope.  Employees working in the area of the wall were exposed to struck-by and engulfment hazards.