OSHA Inspection: THOMPSON CONSTRUCTION, INC.

Issued

Jun 11, 2018

Abate by

Jul 6, 2018

Penalty

Initial $3,696 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish a place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that precautions were not taken when operating STIHL 420 cut-off machine to prevent wedge action creating a pinch/binding point, resulting in a kickback action.     The employer is failing to protect employees from struck-by and laceration hazards.This was most recently documented on April 17, 2018, near the South West corner of 180th Street and Cornhusker, Omaha Nebraska. Employee(s) were utilizing a STIHL 420 cut-off machine to cut a concrete sewer pipe when the cut closed on the blade creating a pinch point, resulting in the machine kicking back towards the operator.    Among other feasible and acceptable methods of abetment:    (1) Support the work piece in such a way that the cut remains open during the cutting process and when the cut is finished    (2) Select another tool or cutting technique not susceptible to kickback towards employees, when the work piece is not supportable.    (3) Where there is a possibility of a pinch, you can leave an uncut part that prevents the kerf from closing and pinching the wheel, which can later be broken manually.    (4) Ensure the operator positions the cut-off machine in such a way that their body is clear of the cutting attachment and avoid standing directly in line of the wheel.