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 fall hazards caused by inadequately maintained safety equipment: a) 1045 Grape Street, Whitehall PA - On or about 29 December 2010, employees (arborists) were climbing trees, approximately 30 feet above grade in order to trim trees. The ropes and other climbing equipment including, but not limited to climbing lines, worklines, and lanyards were not inspected for damage, cuts, abrasion, and/or deterioration before each use such that they could be removed from service if signs of excessive wear or damage were found. Abatement Note: Among other methods one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard would be to ensure that employees follow the Safety Requirements as outlined in the ANSI Standard Z133.1-2006, Para. 8.1.4 - Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations: Arborists shall inspect climbing lines, worklines, lanyards and other climbing equipment for damage, cuts, abrasion, and/or deterioration before each use and shall remove them from service if signs of excessive wear or damage are found. Abatement certification and documentation required within 10 days after abatement date. The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, the date and method of abatement, and state that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement. Abatement documentation shall include documents demonstrating that abatement is complete, such as evidence of the purchase or repair of equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement or other written records.