OSHA Inspection: FRITCHER CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Issued

Jul 12, 2021

Abate by

Jul 22, 2021

Penalty

Initial $12,288 · Current $7,373 Reduced

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.  On or about April 26, 2020, untrained employees  working at the base of an unprotected excavation were exposed to cave-in hazards and engulfment.

Issued

Jul 12, 2021

Abate by

Jul 22, 2021

Penalty

Initial $12,288 · Current $7,373 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.651(k)(1): The employer did not ensure that daily inspections of excavations, the adjacent areas, and protective systems were be made by a competent person for evidence of a situation that could result in possible cave-ins, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions. Inspections were not conducted by the competent person prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the shift. Inspections were also not made after every rainstorm or other hazard increasing occurrence.    On or about April 26, 2021, and times prior to, the employer did not conduct inspections when employees were working in an unprotected excavation at a depth of approximately 7 feet in depth at its deepest part, exposing employees to engulfment and struck by hazards.

Issued

Jul 12, 2021

Abate by

Jul 22, 2021

Penalty

Initial $8,778 · Current $5,267 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.652(a)(1):  The employer did not ensure that each employee in an excavation was protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system designed in accordance with paragraph (b) or (c) of this section except when:  On or about April 26, 2021, employees were exposed to cave-in hazards while working in an excavation that measured approximately 7 feet depth at its deepest part (vertical walls).  Trench measured approximately 7 feet at its deepest part, 3 feet wide at the base and approximately 40 feet long.  Cave-in protection was not provided.

Issued

Jul 12, 2021

Abate by

Jul 22, 2021

Penalty

Initial $12,288 · Current $7,373 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.1053(a)(2): Ladder rungs, cleats, and/or steps were not parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when the ladder was in position for use:   On or about April 26, 2021, employees used a job made wooden ladder to enter and exit a trench that measured approximately 5 feet 9 inches.  The ladder rungs were not uniformly spaced and rungs were not cleated.  Employees were exposed to falls of more than 5 feet to the base of the trench.

Issued

Jul 12, 2021

Abate by

Jul 22, 2021

Penalty

Initial $12,288 · Current $7,373 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1):  The employer did not ensure that when portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access; or, when such an extension is not possible because of the ladder's length, then the ladder shall be secured at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the ladder. In no case shall the extension be such that ladder deflection under a load would, by itself, cause the ladder to slip off its support.   On or about April 26, 2021, and at times prior to, employees used an extension ladder that was not secured or at least 3 feet above the landing when exiting and entering an excavation that was approximately 7 feet at the deepest part of the trench.

Issued

Jul 12, 2021

Abate by

Jul 22, 2021

Penalty

Initial $12,288 · Current $7,373 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.1060(a)(1)(iii): The employer did not ensure that each employee using ladders and/or stairways had been trained by a competent person in the proper construction, use, placement, and care in handling the ladders and/or stairways:   On or about April 26, 2021, employees used a job made wooden ladder that was properly constructed and on the use for such a ladder.  Employees were exposed to a fall of approximately 5 feet 9 inches to the base of an unprotected trench.