Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: CRUSHING

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: a) On or about September 15, 1989 and at times prior thereto; employees were exposed to crushing injuries during the loading/removal of refuse from the trash truck while the compactor equipment was in use. Among other methods one feasible and acceptable method of abatement to correct the hazard is to develop and implement; 1) A written policy pertaining to employees entering the compactor area of trash trucks. This written policy shall, at a minimum, contain the following: a) The control handle for the compactor at the back of the trash truck shall be in the neutral position. b) The power take-off control in the cab of the trash truck shall be in the off position. c) The trash truck shall have its engine shut-off and the keys removed form the ignition and in the possession of the person operating the compactor. d) Training of all employees in the procedure for entering the compactor area of trash trucks. e) Supervision and enforcement of the written policy. f) Insure that the speed up system switch located at the back of the trash truck is functioning properly per manufacturer's recommendation.