Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: UNCLASS

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 severe injuries to head and neck while operating a forklift due to "defective dock plate": ESTABLISHMENT: The employer did not ensure through performing frequent and periodic inspections and maintenance that the dockplate was not only in a proper, but also safe working conditions at all times. On or about 02/11/2011, the above dockplate suddenly sprang up while a powered industrial truck (PIT) was driving over in reverse direction from a tractor trailer, and the operator of the PIT sustained severe injuries to his head and neck from the incident. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to: 1. Follow the manufacturer's specifications on the dock plate. 2. Conduct inspection on the loading dock and dock plate. 3. Perform maintenance on a regular basis. 4. Train employee in the proper and safe operation of dock plate. 5. Follow American National Standard Institute (ANSI MH30.1-2000, Revision of ANSI MH30.1-1993), for the Safety, Performance, and Testing of Dock Leveling Devices, Section 4.4 Owner Responsibility.