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

Section 5a(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 falls from step ladders: (a)On April 28, 2006, and at times prior thereto, an employee stood on the top step of a Werner 10 foot fiberglass stepladder. The employee was exposed to a fall of 8 feet from the top stepladder to the concrete floor. In accordance with the American National Standard, For Ladders Portable Reinforced Plastic Safety Requirements, ANSI A14.5+1982 Section 9.3.2, Climbing and Working Locations, " The user shall not step or stand on: (1)A ladder top cap and the top step of a step or trestle ladder, or the bucket or pail shelf of a self- supporting ladder." Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to provide all employees who use a ladder with appropriate ladder training in correct ladder use. The ladder manufacturer can provide information on correct ladder use. (b)On April 28, 2006, and at times prior thereto, an employee was using a Werner 10 foot fiberglass stepladder that had structural damage or hazardous defect. Damage included holes drilled into the side rails, side rails broken at the rung/step-to-side, and bent spreader bars. The employee was exposed to a fall hazard of 10 feet to the concrete floor. In accordance with the American National Standard, For Ladders Portable Reinforced Plastic Safety Requirements, ANSI A14.5+1982 Section 9.4.1 Inspection, " The ladder shall be inspected periodically, preferably before each use. Working parts and rung/step-to-side-rail connections shall be checked. Where structural damage or other hazardous defect is found, the ladder shall be taken out of service and either discarded or repaired by a competent mechanic." Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to provide all employees who use a ladder with appropriate ladder inspection training. The ladder manufacturer can provide information on key inspection points. NOTE: Abatement certification required for this item.