Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 Hazard: GUARDING

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish a place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to collision hazards: (a)Aspen Skiing Company at Snowmass Ski Area, Aspen, CO 81611: On or before 12/05/08, the employer did not develop and implement safe operating snowmobile procedures to prevent collision hazards. The employer permitted snowmaker employees to operate snowmobiles at night, in conditions of limited visibility, without established speed limits. In addition, the employer did not specify safe operating procedures for using snowmobiles in ungroomed terrain. A snowmaker employee was operating a snowmobile, and was involved in a collision with a tree. Conditions exposed snowmaker employees to collision hazards, with the risk of head trauma, spinal injuries, broken bones, contusions, and other internal injuries, and contributed towards the fatality of a snowmaker employee. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (See enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter"). Among other methods, some feasible and acceptable methods of abatement include: 1)Establish speed limits for the safe use of snowmobiles at night and for times of low visibility; 2)Establish safe operating procedures for the use of snowmobiles off of established trails, to include the use of a spotter and/or someone who can call for help if assistance is needed; and