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: Employees are exposed to a fall hazard of approximately 8.5 feet once they access the work platforms located on the sides of cement mixer trucks. The entrance to the work platform is left unguarded. Among other feasible and acceptable methods to correct this hazard would be to; install a chain or other mechanically strong material across the entrance opening to the work platform. This chain or other mechanically strong material would be left in the open position while employees access the work platform. Once the employees gain access to the work platform, the chain or other mechanically strong material would be secured in the closed position. Another feasible method of guarding this open side would be to instal a swinging gate which could be secured in the open position while employees access the work platform. Once employees gain access to the work platform, the swinging gate can be secured in the closed position. Another feasible means of abatement would include having employees who gain access to the work platform utilize a safety belt with a short lanyard to tie off to a secure point on or near the work platform. Another possible means of abatement might include to install an automated cleaning system for the hopper/drum area to eliminate the need for accessing this part of the cement mixer. Abatement certification and abatement documentation is required for this violation. The documentation should include written verification of abatement, applicable measurements or monitoring results, and photographs or videos which you believe will be helpful. The abatement certification sheet is enclosed with the citations(s).