OSHA Inspection: METROLUBE ENTERPRISES, INC.

Issued

Mar 31, 2016

Abate by

Jun 29, 2016

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,125 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 in that employees were exposed to overhead struck by hazards from improperly used hydraulic jacks.     a.  On or about 1/29/2016, and at times prior, in the oil pit service area between service bays 3 and 4 within the facility at 39 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01605, employees, including but not limited to oil pit technicians, were exposed to overhead struck by hazards from hydraulic jacks weighing approximately 27 pounds .  These jacks, intended for vertical lift, were being used nearly horizontally to brace the oil pit wall.  Employees needing to move between pits 3 and 4 were required to walk underneath the suspended jacks.     Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable means of abatement includes, but is not limited to removing the jacks and replacing them with a suitable commercially available wall bracing system.

Issued

Mar 31, 2016

Abate by

Jun 29, 2016

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $2,125 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(a)(8): Every floor hole into which persons can accidentally walk was not guarded by either a standard railing with standard toeboard on all exposed sides, or a floor hole cover of standard strength and construction.    On or about 1/29/2016 in the facility at 39 West Boylston Street Worcester, MA 01605 employees were exposed to fall hazards into the auto service pits due to a pit cover safety system which was not properly supported:  a. The cable used to support the Westerbeke Pit Cover Safety System in pit #3 was frayed with multiple wires and two strands broken.   b.  The Westerbeke Pit Cover Safety System netting system in pits 1, 2, 3 and 4 was not supported by three quick link or spring snap links on the short sides as specified by the manufacturers installation instructions.  c. The Westerbeke Pit Cover safety System netting system in pits 1, 2, 3 and 4 was not properly installed.  This resulted in a single cable supporting three of four sides for the two net systems, and the interior short side of each system being supported by a non-rated floor grate.  d.  The wire rope clips supporting the Westerbeke Pit Cover Safety System cable system in pit #3 were improperly installed (i.e. backwards).