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: On or about December 14, 2009, the employer allowed the operation of jib cranes at the establishment at 3901 Stoney Brooks Houston, Texas, that exposed employees to struck-by hazards. An employee operating a 1 Ton Abell Howe jib crane with a load weighing 1944 pounds was struck by the crane and load when the anchor bolts connecting the base of the crane to the foundation pulled out of the concrete. The employer had not conducted a load test after installation of the floor-mounted jib crane; an initial inspection was not conducted; frequent and periodic inspections were not conducted; records were not maintained; installation procedures in the manufacturer's manual were not followed; and the crane was located in a manner which did not allow the crane operator to stay clear of the load during operation. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable methods to correct this hazard are: 1) install floor mounted cranes per the manufacturer's instructions, and insure foundations and mounting bolts are capable of supporting the crane and any intended load in accordance with ASSE B30.16-1998, Section 16-2.1.3 and STEP 2A-FS300 of the ANCHOR Crane & Hoist Company manual; 2) After installation, conduct an initial inspection in accordance with ASSE B30.16-1998, Section 16-2.1.1(a); 3) Load test the crane in accordance with ASSE B30.16-1998, Section 16-2.2.1; 4) Conduct frequent and periodic inspections in accordance with ASSE B30.16-1998, Section 16-2.1.2 and Section 16-2.1.3; 5) Maintain records of installation, load testing and inspection and insure they are available in accordance with ASSE B30.16-1998, Section 16-2.1.5; 6) insure the crane location provides sufficient space to allow safe movement of the loads, material handling equipment, and allows operators to stay clear of the load in accordance with ASSE B30.16-1998, Section 16-1.1.3.3. Disclaimers: 1.You are not limited to the abatement methods suggested above. 2.The methods explained are general and may not be effective in all cases. 3.The employer is responsible for selecting and carrying out an appropriate method of abatement.