23.04.2013

CAT dealer faces $70,000 fine

Hawaiian CAT distributor Hawthorne Pacific is facing a $70,000 fine following a fatal crane incident last year.

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited the company for 13 serious violations after employee Ronald Nakasone, 62, was crushed under the boom truck crane he was operating at its Kahului location in October last year.

An investigation found that the crane’s outriggers had not been extended, allowing it to overturn. It had also been out of service for more than six months and had not had a complete inspection before use. The company had also failed to properly tag the crane’s keys with ‘do not use’ due to the fact that a number of warning and safety devices were not working. Inspectors also found other violations, including an absence of guards to prevent amputation or crushing injuries.

Galen Lemke, director of OSHA's Honolulu area office said: "Hawthorne Pacific failed in its responsibility to ensure that workers followed the manufacturer's requirements for the safe operation and maintenance of equipment. This tragic accident could have easily been prevented had the employer addressed these issues."

The company has 15 days to respond, object or comply with the OSHA citations before a judge rules on the proposed fines
Click here to see original accident report