An employee working near an unguarded floor opening measuring 30 inches by 18 inches falls through and is injured. What OSHA violation has occurred?
Correct Answer
C) Failure to guard floor opening over 12 inches
OSHA requires floor openings with a minimum dimension of 12 inches or more to be guarded by covers or guardrails. Since this opening is 30 inches by 18 inches, it should have been properly guarded to prevent falls.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(14) specifically requires that floor holes with a minimum dimension of 12 inches or more must be guarded by covers or guardrail systems. The opening in question measures 30 inches by 18 inches, which exceeds the 12-inch threshold in both dimensions. Since the opening was unguarded and an employee fell through it, this constitutes a clear violation of the floor opening protection requirements. The contractor failed to implement proper guarding measures as mandated by OSHA regulations.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Failure to provide fall protection at 6 feet
The 6-foot fall protection rule applies to walking/working surfaces and edges, not floor openings. Floor openings have their own specific requirements based on size (12 inches minimum dimension) rather than height above ground.
Option B: Inadequate personal protective equipment
While PPE might be relevant in some fall protection scenarios, the primary violation here is the failure to guard the floor opening itself. Personal protective equipment would not be the primary safeguard required for floor openings of this size.
Option D: Improper scaffold construction
There is no mention of scaffolding in this scenario. The violation specifically relates to an unguarded floor opening, not scaffold construction issues.
Memory Technique
Think 'Dozen Danger' - any floor opening 12 inches (a dozen) or larger in any dimension is dangerous and must be guarded.
Reference Hint
OSHA Construction Standards 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(14) - Fall Protection, Floor Holes and Openings
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