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

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 the hazard of weighty falling objects: a) On or about 10/31/90, employees were engage din cleaning out the sump hold of the ship's starboard chain locker. At the bottom of this hold are two steel floor grates, each weighing approximately 2,000 pounds. These grates must be raised or hoisted in order to gain access to the bottom of the sump. The grates were raised by employees who were not trained in hoisting procedures and the hoisting, and subsequent securing of the hoisted grate. This procedure was done with unsuitable hoisting equipment. Example, a singlesling fabricated from a 1/2 inch poly propylene rope. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to prepare a job safety analysis concerning the lifting and securing of grates and other ship components and require that these tasks be performed only by those who are properly trained and experienced in the lfiting and securing of vessel components, example, riggers.