Operators’ manuals-Read, be safe, avoid injuries.
Operator’s manuals. Almost every piece of equipment today comes with operator’s manuals. Just how important is an operator’s manual in the safety world? Well, consider this: Some Occupational Safety Health Act (OSHA) safety regulations require that equipment be operated according to specifications set forth in the manufacturer’s operators manual. Failure to comply with manufacturer’s specifications expressed in its operator’s manual may result in a willful citation from OSHA. (OSHA willful violations are approximately $15,625.00.)
Scenario: A company operated a crane without fully extending the outriggers on the crane truck. The crane truck overturned under load resulting in a fatality. OSHA investigated and issued a willful citation against the crane truck employer. The crane truck manufacturer in its operator’s manual expressly warned that outriggers must be fully extended. Crane truck operator’s failure to follow the manufacturers specifications resulted in a willful citation.
Take the time to read the manufactures operators manual. The few minutes required to read most manuals will yield important safety information. Read, be safe, avoid injuries.
For more information check out: National Engineering & Contracting Co. v. Herman, United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. June 4, 1999, 181 F.3d 71518 O.S.H. Cas. (BNA) 21141999 O.S.H.D. (CCH) P 31,869.