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

ySection 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 the hazards from being crushed by the baler's door while loading the baler, on or about 12/29/94: (a)The employer did not determine by supervision that correct operating procedures were being followed in that the baler operator and the loader(s) were positioned across from each other (with the baler in between them) without the baler operator having clear view of the loader, when the operator initiated door closure. (ANSI Z 268.1-1982 - Section 4 Safeguards, 4.1.1 Personal Instruction). Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to have the baler operator and the baler loaders stand on the same side of the baler when initiating the baler door closure. (b)A record of each employee's training on how to operate the baler was not kept by the employer (ANSI Z 68.1 - 1982, Section 4 - Safeguards, 4.1.1.1) Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to keep a written record of the employees that will be operating the baler. (c)A "stand clear" audible warning siren, horn or bell was not sounded at the initial daily and shift start-up of equipment, and upon restart after shut down due to the activation of a hold switch. (ANSI Z 268.1-1982, Section 4- Safeguards, 4.1.2 startup Alarm). Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to install an audible warning alarm that will alert the employees of the baler's start-up prior to any work commencing. (d)The employer did not maintain inspection and maintenance records of work that was performed on the baler. (ANSI Z 268.1-1982, Section 4 - Safeguards, 4.1.3 Inspection Records). Among other methods one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is by keeping written record of any maintenance and inspections conducted on the baler.