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 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: (a)The hazards of falls likely to cause broken bones while using ladders such as, but not limited to a Werner Type III Model D1128-2 extension ladder, when the combined weight of the employee using the portable ladder and any tools and supplies carried by the employee exceeded the maximum intended load of the ladder. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to comply with the ladder manufacturer's written instructions and warnings, including those instructions and warnings printed on the ladder regarding the maximum intended load of the ladder. IN THE ALTERNATIVE: 29 CFR 1915.72(a)(4): Manufactured portable metal ladders provided by the employer were not in accordance with the provisions of ANSI Standard A14.2-1972: Safety Requirements for Portable Metal Ladders: (a)At the O'Connell Slough barge cleaning area, Mile 405, UMR, right bank; a Werner Type III Model D1128-2 extension ladder, marked by its manufacturer as having a 200 pound duty rating, was used by employee(s) to enter and clean a steel hopper barge when the combined weight of the employee using the portable ladder and any tools and supplies carried by the employee exceeded the maximum intended load of the ladder. The ANSI Standard A14.2-1972: Safety Requirements for Portable Metal Ladders (incorporated by reference) states that, "A light duty (Type III) ladder shall be capable of supporting a 200 pound load." The referenced document states that light duty ladders such as this Werner Type III Model D1128-2 extension ladder are "For users requiring no more than 200 pound load capacity or service requirement such as general household use" and "Users should give consideration to the length required, the type of loading, and the service to which it will be subjected. Never overload a ladder."