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: On or about July 29, 2009, and at times prior thereto, at the jobsite located at 251 North First Street in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Employees were observed to be exposed to fall hazards while working from a Caterpillar TH63 rough terrain forklift. The employees were working approximately 13 feet above finished grade without the benefit of a fall protection system. The platform had a guard rail and mid rail. However, the employees climbed down the outside of the guard rail to a step ladder that was leaning against the building below. This created conditions that exposed the employees to the hazard of falls from elevation. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means of abatement to correct this hazard are to: (1) Provide employees working in forklift mounted baskets with personal fall protection systems or prohibit employees from standing on the rail. (2) Comply with ANSI B56.6-2005 Section 5.15.1 "Safety Standard for Rough Terrain Forklift Truck Requirements for Elevating Personnel". In accordance with this standard, employees are required to maintain firm footing on the floor unless secured by a body belt and lanyard. Abatement Disclaimers: (1) The employer is not limited to the abatement methods above. (2) The recommended abatement methods may not be effective in all circumstances. (3) The employer is responsible for selecting an appropriate abatement method.nt