OSHA Inspection: BREAKING GROUND CONSTRUCTION LLC

Issued

Jan 13, 2017

Abate by

Jan 26, 2017

Penalty

Initial $3,741 · Current $2,000 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 employees were exposed to a caught by hazards while setting up/breaking down a JT520 ditch witch directional drilling machine:   a) JT520 ditch witch s/n 2S-1457 and s/n 2S-3270:  On October 19, 2016 and at times prior thereto an improper bolt was installed on the anchor driver of the JT520 ditch witch directional drilling machines.  The anchor driver rotates with the anchor when being driven into and out of the ground.  On each machine, the bolt extended 1 inch beyond the anchor driver, creating a caught by hazard to employees.   b) JT520 ditch witch s/n 2S-1457: On October 19, 2016 and at times prior thereto, when moved by the operator, the anchor shaft control lever remained in an activated position, either forward or backward from the neutral/off position.  This allowed the anchor shaft to start to rotate and continue to rotate when it should not have been, creating a caught by hazard to employees.   c) JT520 ditch witch s/n 2S-1457: On October 19, 2016 and at times prior thereto weldments and/or threads on the inside of the center cap were broken.  This kept the anchor from being properly secured and positioned when loading and unloading the machine for transport.  It also affected how the anchor operated when being drilled into and out of the ground.   Note) Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item.