OSHA Inspection: DREAM SCAPES

Issued

2004-10-20 00:00:00

Abate by

2004-10-25 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $525.00 · Current $368.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  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 multiple injuries or death from falling off, or being
crushed, by the Skid Steer
due in part to using employees as counter weights when lifting loads
beyond the maximum load.
The New Holland L555 DeLuxe Skid Steer was not used in accordance with the
manufacturer's
manual.  The manual stated to never lift more than the maximum SEA loading
on the loader and
never to allow passengers on the loader at any time.
Employees routinely stood on the back of the L555 DeLuxe Skid Steer, as
counter weight, when
they moved flagstone and brick that weighed more than 1700 pounds, the
manufacturer's rated
load capacity of this skid steer.
a)  The employer exceeded the skid steer's maximum rated load, as set by
the manufacturer of
the skid steer.
b)  The employer allowed employees, to be used as counter-weights, making
the skid steer
unstable.
c)  The employer did not ensure that passengers were never allowed on the
Skid Steers.
Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means to correct these
hazards are to use a safer
alternate method such as the use of a skid steer, with a higher rated load
capacity, approved by
the manufacturer or purchase and move brick and flagstone in smaller loads
that meet the load
capacity of the skid steer.  The employer shall ensure that employees not
ride as passengers or
act as counter-weight on the skid steers.
No Abatement Certification or Abatement Documentation required.