Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: FALLING

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employmnent 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: Employees, performing drywall operations at the Cinemark Movie 10 construction site, in McKinney, Texas, were exposed to falling hazards created by the instability of the Grove SM3158E aerial lift, causing the work platform to overturn. Six Grove manufactured lifts were being utilized at the construction site area. a.Employees of Efrain Gonzales were working from elevated platforms. 1.The platforms were not on firm, level ground when it was elevated as specified by the manufacturer. 2.All systems and safety features were not functioning properly and not in good operational condition such as hydraulic leaks, taped condition such as hydraulic leaks, taped up 3 degree tilt alarm buzzer area at the control panel box, and other defiencies on the SM3158E, Serial #21167, aerial lift. 3.The elevated platform of the SM3158E aerial lift was being driven over pieces of sheetrock positioned under the hydraulic brake wheel which was not specified by the manufacturer. 4.The platform and deck extension of the SM3158E aerial lift was overloaded and was not in accordance with the manufacturer's design criteria. Feasible Abatement Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means of abatement to correcting these hazards include: 1.Only, raise the platform, when the aerial platform is on firm, flat, smooth, and level surfaces (unless otherwise Specified by the manufacturer). 2.Do not drive the platform elevated unless on a firm, level surface free from obstructions which includes pieces of sheetrock positioned under the lifts wheel. 3.Do not operate the machine until defiencies are corrected and systems are in good operating conditions. This would included any hydraulic leaks, taped alarms, and toher malfunctions. 4.Train all users (employers) and operating personnel on safe forklift operations as specified by the manufacturer. 5.Do not overload the platform and deck extension. Know all rated capacities.