OSHA Inspection: INDEPENDENCE CONSTRUCTORS CORPORATION

Issued

Feb 4, 2022

Abate by

Feb 10, 2022

Penalty

Initial $10,151 · Current $10,151

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and 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 employees were exposed to injuries associated with brush chipper work, including, but not limited to, struck-by, entanglement, and caught in- between hazards.  a) Jobsite located at 440 Rhaw St, Philadelphia, PA 19111 - On or about August 6, 2021, while an employee was operating the Bandit 250XP Brush Chipper, the hood of the chipper was released from the equipment, striking the employee on the head and face area resulting in severe lacerations. The employer did not ensure the Bandit 250XP Brush Chipper was properly inspected routinely by authorized personnel and all parts are maintained such as, but not limited to the hood and associated hinge.    Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means of hazard abatement include following:  The national consensus standard requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z133-2017 for Arboricultural Operations-Safety Requirements:  Section 5.1.7 - 'Equipment shall be inspected, operated, and maintained only by employer-authorized personnel.'  Section 8.7.6 - 'Only persons trained in safe chipper operation may operate chippers. Training shall include, but is not limited to, inspection, etc. Training shall be provided for each type of chipper being used.'   The manufacturer's manual "Brush Bandit",  Brush Chipper Model 250/255 Operating & Parts Manual:  As described on page 9: " Keep the machine in good condition. Be sure the machine is in good operating condition and that all safety devices, including guards and shields are installed and functioning properly.   Follow the steps on page 37: "Daily Start Up & Maintenance"  Follow Operator Manual Warning On Damaged or Loose Hinges:  Pg. Vii - The hood hinge and the hood pin are what holds the pivoting hood half in place. Both have to be properly and securely fitted and maintained. A loose or bent hinge could cause the hood to come in contact with the chipper disc/drum. IF A HOOD HINGE GETS SLOPPY OR CRACKED OR BENT, IT MUST BE REPLACED! Don't wait, replace it!