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 falls from the dock to the parking lot loading and off-loading trailers. (a) U.S. Postal Service, 1605 Boggs Road, Duluth, Georgia: On or about February 19, 2009, There is a lack of communication between the Dispatcher, Expeditor/Dock Personnel, and Spotter (Driver) during the loading and off-loading of trailers. On two occasions, in the past six (6) months while the trailers were being off-loaded, the spotter drove away from the dock dropping the forklift and forklift driver to the parking lot level below. Feasible means of abatement: Have the forklift driver included in the procedures. Have the forklift driver once they have loaded or unloaded the trailer have the expeditor verify the condition of the load, then closed the door, attach said locks if necessary and then notify the dispatcher that the trailer can be moved. In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification. This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.