OSHA Inspection: MOUNTAIN RELOAD LLC.

Issued

Nov 25, 2020

Abate by

Dec 31, 2020

Penalty

Initial $5,398 · Current $5,398

General-duty citation text

29 C.F.R. 1910.179(j)(1)(ii):  Inspection procedure for cranes in regular service is divided into two general classifications based upon the intervals at which inspection should be performed. The intervals in turn are dependent upon the nature of the critical components of the crane and the degree of their exposure to wear, deterioration, or malfunction. The two general classifications are herein designated as "frequent" and "periodic" with respective intervals between inspections as defined below: (a) Frequent Inspection - Daily to monthly intervals. (b) Periodic inspection - 1 to 12 months intervals. The employer did not conduct frequent and periodic inspections as defined by this section.   (a)  Mountain Reload LLC., at 1001 W 52nd Avenue, Denver, CO:  On and preceding 6/10/2020, Mountain Reload employee operated a MiJack Products Inc model MJ40 rubber tire gantry crane to transport commodities from rail cars to temporary storage alongside the rail cars to temporary storage alongside the rail line. employees assisted in the transfer of commodities from the rail car to the ground. The documented disrepair of the crane included nonfunctioning horn and beacons, worn hoist cables with broken strands, broken safety latches on the hooks, a drive chain worn past the maximum wear point, and a steering hydraulic cylinder needing replacement. The employer did not conduct frequent and periodic inspections of the crane's components that would identify defects in safety equipment and critical equipment. This condition exposed employees assisting the crane operator to struck-by and suspended load hazards.

Issued

Nov 25, 2020

Abate by

Dec 31, 2020

Penalty

Initial $53,975 · Current $48,578 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 struck-by, caught-between, and crushing hazards when the employer failed to protect employees from the uncontrolled movement of rail cars:  (a)  Mountain Reload LLC., at 1001 W 52nd Avenue, Denver, CO:  On 6/4/2020, four rail cars were de-coupled into two strings of two rail cars. While an employee was gravity rolling the first string into position for the conveyor several hundred feet from the point of origin, the second string rolled down the rail line approximately 35 seconds after the first string had passed.  The second string collided with the first string, forcing the lead rail car into the barrier at the end of the rail line. The employee died of compressional asphyxia when his body was pinned between the leading rail car and the barrier.  Gravity rolling rail cars in this method, and not ensuring that unattended rail cars remained stationary, exposed employees to crushing, struck-by, and caught-between hazards.   Abatement Note: Among other methods, feasible abatement methods include:  1. Utilize a safe method for moving rail cars, such as the use of a device such as a Shuttlewagon. 2. Ensure that the hand brakes of unattended rail cars are applied. 3. Block the wheels of unattended rail cars. 4. Comply with Union Pacific Railroad Company General Code of Operating Rules, Section 7 "Switching".