Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: STRUCK BY

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. Inclined Lift, First Floor, Center of the Building: Employees were exposed to the struck by hazards asociated with a free falling inclined conveyor lift with inoperable safety devices and fall hazards associated with landing gates that were not interlocked with operations of the lift. 1) On or about 11-20-03 the safety device to prevent the inclined lift from over-travelling or falling in the event of a mechanical or electrical problem did not function allowing the lift to fall approximately 20 feet. An employee who was on the lift attempting to clear and repair a jam, was thrown onto a post and died. 2) On or about 11-20-03 the interlock devices for third and second floor landing gates were inoperable allowing the landing gates to be opened when the platform was on the first floor exposing employees to falls approximately twenty to forty feet. Feasible methods to abate the hazard among others are: 1) Rebuild the inclined lift. 2) Repair the interlocked gates, and set up an inspection and maintenance plan for the interlocked gates. 3) Replace the lift safety device that allowed the free fall and set up an inspection and maintenance plan for the lift safety devices. 4) Ensure that employees who maintain the inclined lift receive training and technical support from the manufacturer. 5) Ensure that the lift is operated and maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and in accordance with the latest American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), "Safety Standards for Conveyors and Related Equipment." Inclined lift, Shipping Department: On or about 11-20-03 the interlock device for the landing gate was inoperable allowing the gate to open while the platform was in the basement. Feasible method to abate the hazards among others is: 1) Repair the interlocked gates, and set up an inspection and maintenance plan for the interlocked gates. 2) Ensure that employees who maintain the inclined lift receive training and technical support from the manufacturer. 3) Ensure that the lift is operated and maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and in accordance with the latest American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), "Safety Standards for Conveyors and Related Equipment."