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

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish a place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that caused or are likely to cause death or serious harm to employees in that employees are exposed to struck-by hazards created by towing a stranded cement truck with a T-150-R2-40 Tow Rope attached to a chain and chain sections, which do not have the rated load capacity for the intended purpose. On April 11, 2015, an employee sustained a fatal struck-by injury from improperly using a tow rope and a chain to free a stranded cement truck. On the day of the incident, and at times prior, employees were instructed by their employer to tow stranded cement trucks using a tow rope, T-150-2R-40 a.k.a. "Big Blue". The tow rope is attached to short sections of 1/2 inch diameter chain to tow 36 ton cement trucks which have become stranded. The tow rope specifically states on the labeling: "NEVER ATTACH THIS ROPE TO A CHAIN". The labeling also states the rope should never be used with components which have a rated load of less than the capacity of the tow rope, 150,000 pounds. At the time of the fatality, a link on the chain broke and the employee was struck and killed by the tow rope D-ring. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable methods of abatement are: 1. Select attachment devices which are rated greater than or equal to that of the tow rope and which are capable of towing the anticipated load. 2. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use with any tow or lifting device. 3. Outsource any towing operations to a contractor with the knowledge, equipment, and expertise to safely remove any stranded vehicle. 4. Follow the guidelines provided by The National Association of Chain Manufacturers "Welded Steel Chain Specifications".