OSHA Inspection: ELKHORN HOLDINGS INC

Issued

Mar 2, 2016

Abate by

Apr 6, 2016

Penalty

Initial $4,250 · Current $4,250

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.1402(b): The equipment must not be assembled or used unless ground conditions are firm, drained, and graded to a sufficient extent so that, in conjunction (if necessary) with the use of supporting materials, the equipment manufacturer's specifications for adequate support and degree of level of the equipment are met:    (a) Elkhorn Holdings Inc, at 5801 Brighton Boulevard, Commerce City, CO: On and preceding 11/23/15, Elkhorn Holdings Inc did not ensure that equipment was not assembled or used unless ground conditions were firm, drained, and graded to a sufficient extent so that, in conjunction (if necessary) with the use of supporting materials, the equipment manufacturer's specifications for adequate support and degree of level of the equipment were met.  Elkhorn Holdings Inc was constructing a pipeline adjacent to the Suncor refinery and Sand Creek.  On 11/23/15, a Grove model RT770E 70 ton hydraulic boom crane operated by Elkhorn Holdings Inc tipped over while moving sections of steel piping during the construction of the elevated pipeline.  An outrigger located next to bollards protecting an out of service remediation pump sank into the ground, causing the crane to tip onto its side.  The ground where the crane had been positioned was determined by a soil analysis performed for Suncor Energy USA Pipeline Company to be uncontrolled fill and poorly graded sand.  Elkhorn Holdings Inc did not ensure that ground conditions were firm, drained, and graded to ensure for adequate support for the 70 ton crane.  This condition exposed employees to a crane tip over hazard.