UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

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 to each of his employees 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 the hazard of falling when working with Louisville aluminum extension ladders due to improper use of ladders while replacing greenhouse roof panels: (a)Color Star Growers of Colorado & 11610 Weld County Road 14 1/2, Fort Lupton, CO. On or before March 2, 2010, the employer did not ensure that the aluminum extension ladder used by the employees to gain access to the roof of the greenhouse was extended at least 3 feet above the roof surface and/or secured to provide safe access. (b)Color Star Growers of Colorado & 11610 Weld County Road 14 1/2, Fort Lupton, CO. On or before March 2, 2010, the employer did not ensure that the aluminum extension ladder was used properly, in that, the ladder was not used as a complete unit as designed by the manufacturer. (c)Color Star Growers of Colorado & 11610 Weld County Road 14 1/2, Fort Lupton, CO. On or before March 2, 2010, the employer did not ensure that each employee maintained 3 points of contact when ascending and descending the ladder and not carrying any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall to lower level. (d)Color Star Growers of Colorado & 11610 Weld County Road 14 1/2, Fort Lupton, CO. On or before March 2, 2010, the employer did not ensure that each employee working with metal ladders was provided with adequate ladder safety training. Abatement Note: Among others, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct these hazards is to comply with ANSI A14.2-2000 Safety Requirements for Portable Metal Ladders and to provide each employee with adequate safety training on selection, care, and proper use of metal ladders. The training shall include the following areas as applicable: (1) The nature of all fall hazards in the work area; (2) The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, inspecting of all ladders to be used; (3) The proper construction, use, placement, and care in handling of all ladders; (4) The maximum intended load-carrying capacities of ladders and; (5) The required ladder safety standards. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (see enclosed "Sample Abatement Certification Letter").