Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 Hazard: STRUCK BY

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish 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 struckby hazards while working near a radio communications tower while the tower was being unbolted and was in danger of collapsing: At the radio communications tower removal/demolition project at the TXDOT maintenance facility, employees were exposed to struckby hazards from a tower collapse when working in the vicinity of an unstable tower. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to develop a demolition plan with a defined sequence of events where each employee is aware of each action being taken in regard to tower dismantling. A necessary component of this plan is providing a means of positive communications among these employees regarding exactly which step is being performed so that all employees are aware of the processes undertaken and can clear the area when appropriate.