OSHA Inspection: F.H. PASCHEN, S.N. NIELSEN & ASSOCIATES LLC

Issued

Nov 17, 2014

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing for likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to the hazards associated with being crushed by Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) concrete retaining wall panels:    (a) On or about July 30, 2014, the employer did not ensure that the Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) concrete retaining wall panels were adequately supported and protected to prevent overturning and to prevent collapse until permanent connections were completed, including but not limited to as a result of the adjustments made to panel bracing.    Among feasible means of abatement are:    1. Install panel bracing and conduct plumbing of walls in accordance with the recommendations of the Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) concrete retaining wall panel manufacturer or designer/design engineer. If the manufacturer does not provide such recommendations, the employer will follow the recommendations of the designer/design engineer or use an alternative methodology that meets the requirements set forth in paragraph 2 below. The employer will confirm recommendations with employees, as site conditions will vary from project to project; or    2. Ensure that any other methodology provides protection equivalent or superior to the manufacturer's or designer/design engineer's recommendations. Any alternative methodology must be approved by a licensed engineer.    No abatement certification or documentation required for this violation.