OSHA Inspection: WASHAM PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR, INC.

Issued

Jun 1, 2015

Abate by

Jun 10, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CRF 1926.21(b)(2): The employer did not instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.      A. Washam Plumbing, Heating & Air, Inc. worksite located at 3209 Makley, Lima, Ohio: On or about April 13, 2015, the employer failed to instruct all employees in the recognition and avoidance of hazards commonly seen in the excavation industry. Employees were installing a sanitary sewer line in an unprotected trench and were not effectively trained to recognize ineffective means of cave-in protection.

Issued

Jun 1, 2015

Abate by

Jul 17, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.651(k)(1): Daily inspections of excavations, the adjacent areas, and protective systems were not made by a competent person for evidence of a situation that could result in possible cave-ins, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions. An inspection shall be conducted by the competent person prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the shift. Inspections shall also be made after every rainstorm or other hazard increasing occurrence. These inspections are only required when employee exposure can be reasonably anticipated.   A. Washam Plumbing, Heating & Air, Inc. worksite located at 3209 Makley, Lima, Ohio: On or about April 13, 2015, the employer did not ensure the trench in which employees were working was inspected by a competent person at the beginning of each workday and throughout the shift. The need for adequate and effective cave-in protection and method of egress while employees were working in the trench was not recognized.

Issued

Jun 1, 2015

Abate by

Jun 10, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.651(c)(2): A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress was not located in trench excavations that was 4 feet (1.22 m) or more in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet (7.62 m) of lateral travel for employees.       A. Washam Plumbing, Heating & Air, Inc. worksite located at 3209 Makley, Lima, Ohio: On or about April 13, 2015, the employer failed to ensure a safe means of egress such as a ladder was provided and used by employees installing a sanitary sewer line in a trench that was approximately 11.00 feet deep.

Issued

Jun 1, 2015

Abate by

Jun 10, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.651(j)(2): Employees were not protected from excavated or other materials or equipment that could pose a hazard by falling or rolling into excavations. Methods such as: placing and keeping such materials or equipment at least 2 feet (.61 m) from the edge of excavations, or by the use of retaining devices that are sufficient to prevent materials or equipment from falling or rolling into excavations, or by a combination of both if necessary were not used.      A. Washam Plumbing, Heating & Air, Inc. worksite located at 3209 Makley, Lima, Ohio: On or about April 13, 2015, the employer failed to ensure excavated material was placed at least two feet from the edge of the excavation. Two employees were potentially exposed to falling soil from the spoil pile placed at the edge of the excavated trench.

Issued

Jun 1, 2015

Abate by

Jun 10, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,400 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 paragraph (b) or (c) of this section:      A. Washam Plumbing, Heating & Air, Inc. worksite located at 3209 Makley, Lime, Ohio: On or about April 13, 2015, the employer did not ensure employees were adequately protected from cave-ins while installing a sanitary sewer line in a trench that was approximately 11.00 feet deep.