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 was 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 fall from the top of a chip/shavings/sawdust trailer: (a)On or about December 18, 2006, and at times prior thereto, the employer failed to takes steps to ensure that no employees (drivers) stand on the top of the roll-top trailers in order to tarp the load without the use of fall protection. Employees were exposed to fall hazards of approximately 12 feet 11.5 inches from the top of the "roll-top" trailer. (b)On or about December 18, 2006, and at times prior thereto, the employer failed to takes steps to ensure that no employees (drivers) stand on the top of the pull-top trailers in order to tarp the load without the use of fall protection. Employees were exposed to fall hazards of approximately 13 feet 8 inches from the top of the "pull-top" trailer. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard include: 1. Develop and enforce a policy prohibiting access to the tops of trailers. 2. Use of fall protection such as the use of adjacent catwalks with guard rails, or a full body harness properly anchored. NOTE: The employer may need to coordinate with the facility owner(s) to accomplish. 3. Use of a ladder and rake to level the load prior to tarping. 4. Working with the mills to install sweeps or another method to ensure loads do not extend beyond to top of the trailers. Note: Abatement certification required for this item.