OSHA Inspection: MAGNUM CONTRACTING, INC.

Issued

Nov 10, 2016

Abate by

Dec 8, 2016

Penalty

Initial $8,730 · Current $6,200 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 to employees in that an employee was exposed to struck-by hazards associated with not ensuring a synthetic web sling was protected from abrasive materials.     (a)Magnum Contracting, Inc. @ 1321 W. 22nd St., Sioux Falls, SD 57105: On and prior to June 6, 2016, the exposing employer did not ensure synthetic web slings were kept free of all abrasive edges that could damage the webbing. On June 6, 2016, an ironworker was struck by an I-beam that released after the one-inch wide, eight-foot long synthetic sling failed due to extreme tension and surface contact with an abrasive flanged edge and struck an employee, partially amputating his right leg. This condition exposed employees to struck-by hazards associated with not protecting the synthetic web sling from abrasive flanged edges while lifting a 1600lb. I-beam.    Among other methods, one feasible method of abatement is to follow the Lift-It Manufacturing Synthetic Web Sling Safety Bulletin Safety Issue # 3, Protect sling from damage. Subparagraph 3c., Safeguard slings with sufficient protection. Synthetic web slings can be damaged, abraded or cut as tension and compression between the sling, the connection points and the load develops. Surfaces in contact with the sling do not have to be very abrasive or have "razor" sharp edges in order to create the conditions for sling failure. Therefore, web slings must ALWAYS be protected from being cut or damaged by corners, edges, protrusions or abrasive surfaces with protection sufficient for the intended purpose.     Among other methods, one feasible method of abatement is to follow the Web Sling and Tie Down Association, 2015 Recommended Standard Specification for Synthetic Web Slings. WSTDA-WS-1 Section 4.6 Mechanical Considerations, Subparagraph 4.6.1 Web slings in contact with edges, corners, protrusions or abrasive surfaces shall always be protected with materials of sufficient strength and construction to prevent sling damage.