OSHA Inspection: ABB INC.

Issued

Feb 4, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $5,600 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(a)(5):     Every pit and trapdoor floor opening, infrequently used, was not guarded by a floor opening cover of standard strength and construction. While the cover was not in place, the pit or trap was not constantly attended by someone or shall be protected on all exposed sides by removable standard railings.    On 1/5/2015, an employee was working at ABB Inc. located at 500 W, Highway 94, Jefferson MO.  The employee was working at the south end of the fin attachment cell in section 221 of the plant.  The employee fell approximately 7 ½ feet into a pit/floor opening, which was not constantly attended by someone or protected by removable standard railings.  At the time of the mishap, the employee was entering the cell to attach fin to a tank.  The pit doors were open and the pit was unprotected when the employee opened the sliding doors to enter the cell, which exposed the employee to a fall hazard.      In the alternative:    OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1):  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 or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employee(s) in that employee(s) were exposed to the hazard of a fall from height:     An employee was working at the south end of the fin attachment cell in section 221 of the plant.  There was a pit located inside of the robotic cell.  The robotic cells access doors had interlocks installed, but the interlocks were not wired or programmed to recognize pit door position.  Thus, the interlocks did not prevent employee access to the robotic cell when the pit doors were open.  The pit was not protected by standard railings.  An employee fell into the unguarded pit as he was attempting to enter the cell.    One method of abatement is to program the programmable logic controller (PLC) for the Sick interlocks so that the interlocks only open, allowing employee access to the cell, after the pit doors have been closed.       DISCLAIMER:     a/ The employer is not limited to the abatement method(s) suggested by OSHA.    b/ The employer is responsible for selecting and implementing an effective abatement method.