ACCIDENT SUMMARY No. 19
| Accident Type: |
Crushing |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Snowing |
| Type of Operation: |
Paving Constructor |
| Size of Work Crew: |
5 |
| Collective Bargaining |
No |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
Yes |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
Yes |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
Yes |
| Training and Education Provided: |
No |
| Employee Job Title: |
Operating Engineer |
| Age & Sex: |
29-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
1 Years |
| Time on Project: |
1 Week |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
An employee was operating a bulldozer at the top edge of a sloped excavation for a six-foot deep drainage ditch. The bulldozer began to slide down the side of the snow and ice covered excavation. It tipped over on its side, pinning the operator under the roll bars.
INSPECTION RESULTS
OSHA's inspection resulted in one citation for one alleged serious violation of its construction standards. If the bulldozer operator had been wearing a seat belt, as required by OSHA standards, this fatality might have been prevented.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Employees must be instructed to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions associated with their work (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2)).
- Employers must require employees to wear appropriate personal protective equipment - such as a seatbelt -whenever it is necessary to reduce a hazard (29 CFR 1926.28(a)).
SOURCES OF HELP
- Construction Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 2207) which contains all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations (1926 and 1910) covering construction.
- OSHA-funded free consultation services. Consult your telephone directory for the number of your local OSHA area or regional office for further assistance and advice (listed under U.S. Labor Department or under the state government section where states administer their own OSHA programs).
NOTE: The case here described was selected as being representative of fatalities caused by improper work practices. No special emphasis or priority is implied nor is the case necessarily a recent occurrence. The legal aspects of the incident have been resolved, and the case is now closed.
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