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: Seven miles north of Charleston, Arkansas: Employees working on the monkey board of an oil well rig were required in the case of emergency to escape on an auxiliary line (geronimo escape line) that was attached to a tree ten feet above the ground, exposing employees to striking the tree and fall hazards. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is: Comply with American Petroleum Institute Pamphlet 54, paragraph 4.7 that requires an auxiliary escape line from the mask to an obstructed area that is clear on the ground below.