Text For Citation: 02 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: a) the hazards of falls in excess of 200 feet (60 m) at a tower erection site near the intersection of HWY 77 and HWY 21 North of Giddings, TX., in Lee County, where three employees fell on or about 05-22-02. On that date and prior thereto, employees were being lifted using an electric cathead hoist: Deficiencies included, but were not limited to the following: 1. The employer permitted three employees to ride, together at the same time, on a nylon rope load line connected to the load line at a hand-tied loop. 2. The employer permitted three employees to ride, together at the same time, on a nylon rope load line that was wrapped around a cathead which was connected to the trailer hitch of a Ford truck. The cathead was being used as a friction winch and is not approved for hoisting people. 3. Hoist operator did not remain at the controls at all times when personnel are on the hoist line. Operator left the controls to answer his cellular phone. One means of abatement among others, is to: a) Ensure safe work practices identified in CPL 2-1.36, Interim Inspection Procedures During Communication Tower Construction Activities, 03/26/2002, are complied with at all times:ed