Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 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: (a) On or about February 12, 1991, employees were exposed to fall hazards approximately 20'-25' above adjacent ground level. Employees were perfoming cutting and rescue operations while standing on catwalks, also used for regular clean up operations, located on the east and west sides of the clam located in the truck loading area. The east catwalk was approximately 24" wide and the west catwalk was approximately 30" wide. Catwalks were not provided with standard guardrails on the open sides and ends nor was equivalent fall protection provided. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is install railings, approximately 42" high with midrails on all open sides of platforms 4' or more above adjacent floor or ground level.