OSHA Inspection: GEO WINDOW CLEANING, INC

Issued

Dec 17, 2014

Abate by

Dec 26, 2014

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $5,000 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 Fall Hazards.    Location: 345 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10016    On or about July 3, 2014    a). Employee (a Window Washer) was cleaning windows at the above location from inside, and had climbed outside without proper fall protection and fell 4 stories to the street below.    Abatement Note: Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means to correct the hazard is to:    A). Clean exterior window surfaces from the inside of the building with employees feet placed firmly on the floor and window sill height is such to prevent the employee from falling out of the window. If an extension pole is used, train employees on the proper inspection, assembly and usage in accordance with International Window Cleaning Association, ANSI/IWCA-I 14.1-2001, Section 5.1 and 5.10.    B).  If working form the floor surface is not practical to clean the window, protect employees from falling through the window opening by utilizing a personal restraint system, such as, but not ,limited to a body belt with lanyard attached to a secure point of anchorage, in accordance with ANSI/IWCA-I 14.1-2001, Section 3.8 Fall protection, and sections 9.2.2 and 9.2.3    C). Instruct all employees in all safe working procedures and proper use of safety equipment, as referenced in NSI/IWCA I-14.1-2001, Section 3.3 and 3.4.  Implement procedures based on the instructed training and ensure employees follow those procedures and the training.