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

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 fall hazards: (a) Wyoming Seminary site - an employee was allowed to work from a fiberglass ladder that was defective in that a rubber pad was missing from the safety shoe on one side rail and the fifth rung (from bottom) was dented approximately one-half inch below the horizon- tal. In addition, the employee was allowed to work in an unsafe manner, as the base of the ladder was only 38 inches from the building. Employee was working from the back side of the ladder and the ladder was not tied or otherwise secured, on or about August 29, 1991. Feasible and useful method of abatement: The employer shall provide a training program for each employee using ladders as necessary. The program shall enable each employee to recognize hazards related to ladders and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed to minimize these hazards: (1) The employer shall ensure that each employee has been trained by a competent person in the following areas, as applicable: (i) The nature of fall hazards in the work area; (ii) The correct procedures for setting up a ladder at the proper angle; (iii) The proper construction, use, placement and care in handling of all ladders; (iv) The maximum intended load-carrying capacities of ladders used; and (v) Retraining shall be provided for each employee as necessary so that the employee maintains the understanding and knowledge acquired for compliance. (2) Ladders having defects are to be marked and taken out of service until repaired by either maintenance department or the manufacturer.