OSHA Inspection: HAARSMA CONSTRUCTION

Issued

Aug 18, 2017

Abate by

Sep 14, 2017

Penalty

Initial $4,346 · Current $3,500 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 29 CFR 1926.652 (b) or (c).    (a)Haarsma Construction at 303 Emmet Trail, Harrisburg SD, 57032:  On and prior to June 1, 2017, the exposing employer did not ensure that employees working inside a trench with vertical walls were protected from cave-in, in that employees used a shovel and hands to locate the water and sewer lines without using a protective system. The trench was approximately 7 feet 6 inches in depth and located in the road. This condition exposed employees to a crushing hazard by excavation wall cave-in.    (b)Haarsma Construction at 303 Emmet Trail, Harrisburg SD, 57032:  On or prior to June 1, 2017, the exposing employer did not ensure that employees working inside a trench with vertical walls were protected from cave-in, in that employees used a shovel and hands to locate the water and sewer lines without using a protective system. The trench was approximately 8 feet in depth and located between the road and the residence. This condition exposed employees to a crushing hazard by excavation wall cave-in.

Issued

Aug 18, 2017

Abate by

Sep 14, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.651(k)(1): An inspection of the excavations, the adjacent areas, and protective systems was not conducted by the competent person prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the shift:  (a) Haarsma Construction at 303 Emmet Trail Harrisburg SD, 57032:  On and prior to June 1, 2017, the exposing employer did not ensure employees were protected from cave-in hazards where hazards existed and the necessary precautions were taken to ensure employees were protected. The competent person on site was directing the activities of the excavation and allowed employees to enter the 7 foot 6 inch deep trench without protection in place. This condition exposed employees to struck-by hazards as a result of the competent person not removing employees from an excavation that had identifiable hazards related to cave-in.  Note: "Competent person" means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.

Issued

Aug 18, 2017

Abate by

Sep 14, 2017

Penalty

Initial $2,173 · Current $1,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1): A portable ladder was used for access to an upper landing, and the ladder side rails did not extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing, and was not secured:       (a)Haarsma Construction at 303 Emmet Trail, Harrisburg SD, 57032:  On and prior to June 1, 2017, the exposing employer did not ensure that a portable extension ladder, used to access a trench excavation, had side rails extending 3 feet above the road, or was secured. The condition exposed employees to a fall hazard of 7 feet 6 inches measured from the ground to the top of the excavation.