OSHA Inspection: HOMETOWN WASTE, LLC

Issued

2016-12-23 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-01-30 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $6236.00 · Current $4200.00 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 serious bodily injury and possible death while standing and/or riding on the driver's and/or passenger side cab step while the recycling/refuse vehicle was in motion/operation(either in the forward or reverse direction).      Location: Sanitation driving route, 11 Court Street, Branford, CT 06405      On August 15, 2016, A recycling helper riding in the standing position on outside driver's side cab step of a Peterbuilt recycling truck collecting recycling/refuse in a residential neighborhood while the recycling truck was moving in a forward direction fell from the driver's side cab step while attempting to reach for a hat that blew off the helper's head resulting in the helper falling from the truck and landing on the blacktop pavement of the street.  The helper landed on the blacktop pavement resulting in serious head injuries requiring hospitalization.    Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard are:      1. Comply with the requirement of the Environmental Industry Associations Manual Of Recommended Safety Practices, RSP4G001-1999.      2. Comply with ANSI Z245.1-1992: Standard for Refuse Collection, Processing and Disposal Equipment, that specifies that riders only ride in the vehicle cab or on steps specifically designed for riding while the vehicle is in motion.      3. Comply with any and all Manufacturer's and Owner's manual recommendations and requirements for all owned, leased and rental refuse and recycling vehicles.       4. Establish a training program to conduct initial, annual training and/or retraining with all employees concerning the hazards associated with recycling and refuse collection including the hazards associated with riding on any and all vehicles while the vehicle is in motion along with the means and procedures to minimize and/or eliminate the hazards associated with recycling and refuse collection including riding on vehicles while in motion.       5. Conduct inspections as necessary (in accordance with any and all manufacturer's and industry recognized standards) but at least annually and ensure all necessary refuse and recycling vehicle maintenance is completed to ensure all appropriate riding steps and grab handles/hold bars are in sturdy working order and properly designated.