OSHA Inspection: WOLF CREEK SKI CORPORATION

Issued

Apr 11, 2011

Abate by

Oct 31, 2011

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

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 hypothermia and asphyxia:
a) On or about November 22, 2010 an employee was buried by an avalanche of
snow and debris
while performing avalanche control on Glory Hole Hollow ski run within the
boundaries of Wolf
Creek Ski Area. The employee, working alone, set off an explosive charge
and then skied across
the face of a slope instead of skiing across the top of the slope. The
employee was located
approximately 50 minutes later and ensuing resuscitation performed on site
was not successful.
One feasible and acceptable abatement method is to develop, implement, and
train employees
on specific operating procedures for avalanche control and to develop work
rules
and an audit
process that effectively monitors and ensures compliance with these work
rules. Such procedures
need to adhere to the Colorado State Statutes requiring a minimum of two
individuals in each
avalanche control blasting crew.
Abatement Verification:  Abatement certification and documentation is
required for this
item (see enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").-Certification

Issued

Apr 11, 2011

Abate by

May 26, 2011

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,000 Reduced