Text For Citation: 01 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: At the Clinton Library worksite located at 1200 President Clinton Avenue in Little Rock, Arkansas, employees operating a Walker Mower had not been properly trained in safe work practices where drop off hazards exists. On or about November 10, 2008, and times prior to, employee was instructed to back a 2007 Walker Mower, Model #MTLGHS, s/n 07034, to the edge of an embankment where there was an approximately 10-15 ft. drop off into the Arkansas River, to dispose of yard clippings when the grass collection container became full. This condition exposed employee to falls from the drop off into the river and drowning. Among others, one feasible and useful means of abatement would be to effectively implement the following into an employee training program: (A)Ensure employees do not back mowers near drop offs. (B)Establish a designated area on a level surface for mower grass collection containers to be emptied and ensure employees are knowledgeable of the area designated. (C)After ensuring employee and mower are on a level surface, implement the use of a dump bag with handle straps.