OSHA Inspection: DAKOTALAND SOD FARM, INC.

Issued

Sep 5, 2018

Abate by

Nov 1, 2018

Penalty

Initial $3,880 · Current $6,000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.20(b)(2): The employer did not initiate and maintain a safety program which provides for frequent and regular inspections of the job sites, materials, and equipment to be made by competent persons designated by the employers:    (a)Dakotaland Sod Farm, Inc. at 120 Cliff Avenue North, Harrisburg SD 57032: On or about and at times prior to June 21, 2018, the exposing employer did not provide for frequent and regular inspections of the job site, materials, and equipment to be made by a competent person. On June 20, 2018, employees climbed mason walk-through end-frames that did not have an integrated prefabricated ladder to conduct work activities on an adjacent roof. An employee fell approximately 20 feet and suffered a fractured leg as a result. This condition exposed employees to fall hazards of up to 20 feet.    Abatement Note: OSHA defines a "competent" person as 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

Sep 5, 2018

Abate by

Dec 31, 2018

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2): The employer did not instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury:    (a)Dakotaland Sod Farm, Inc. at 120 Cliff Avenue North, Harrisburg SD 57032:  On or about and at times prior to June 21, 2018, the exposing employer did not instruct employees in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions associated with hazards regarding employees using erected scaffolding to gain access to work on an adjacent roof. An employee used the end frames of a masons walk-through scaffolding system to gain access to the roof. The end-frames did not have an integrated pre-fabricated ladder within the end-frame. As a result of carrying materials while climbing the end-frames, an employee lost their footing and fell approximately 20 feet. The condition exposed employees to fall hazards while carrying material and climbing end-frames of a scaffolding system.    Abatement Note:   Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means of abatement to correct the hazards include:  A comprehensive Safety and Health Program which would include but is not limited to the following suggested elements:      (1)        Management Commitment and Leadership  (a)        Policy statement: goals established, issued and communicated to employees.  (b)        Program reviewed annually.  (c)        Participation in safety meeting, inspection; agenda item in meetings.  (d)        Adequate commitment or resources.  (e)        Safety rules and procedures incorporated into site operations.      (2)        Assignment of Responsibility  (a)        Safety designee on site, knowledgeable and accountable.  (b)        Supervisors' (including foremen) safety and health responsibilities understood.  (c)        Employees adherence to safety rules.      (3)        Identification and Control of Hazards  (a)        Periodic site inspection program involving supervisors.  (b)        Preventative controls in place (PPE, Maintenance, Engineering Controls)  (c)        Action taken to address hazards.  (d)        Safety Committee, where appropriate.  (e)        Technical reference materials available.      (4)        Training and Education  (a)        Supervisors receive basic safety and health training.  (b)        Specialized training taken when needed.  (c)        Existence of an employee training program, which is ongoing and effective.      (5)        Recordkeeping and Hazard Analysis  (a)        Records maintained of employee illnesses/injuries and posted.  (b)        Supervisors perform accident investigations, determine causes, propose corrective action.      (6)        First Aid and Medical Assistance  (a)        First aid supplies and medical services available.  (b)        Employees informed of medical results.  (c)        Emergency procedures and training, where necessary.