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 employmnent 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 being pinned under, crushed, or thrown from a forklift if it were to tip or roll over. On or about November 26, 1996, employee was operating a 5000lb Toyota forklift in the materials storage yard and was not wearing the seatbelt as provided by the forklift manufacturer. Employee was unable to maintain positive control of the forklift causing it to overturn onto its left side. MOA: Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is: Train personnel and ensure utilization of seat belts where so provided by the manufacturer. **Note** Forklift has two warning decals and placards emphasising the use of seatbelts. The Toyota Operator's and Owners Manual has numerous references on the need to use seatbelts, and the company training manual and video also emphasis the need to use seatbelts. The employer "made a conscious decision not to require the use of seatbelts for forklift operators because it is not required by current OSHA Standards".