Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 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 the hazard of being struck by the load or by the industrial tow tractor due to inadequate warnings and communication between the driver of the tow tractor and personnel in the plant and yard: a) On or about 6/23/92, an employee was moving tarp bows from the yard into a loading bay, when the employee was struck by a tow tractor (Truck Trailer Jockey, model #J3000R, serial #791) and trailer (#83374) being moved into the same loading bay where a tarp would be installed. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is: 1) Mobile equipment should be equipped with backup warning devices either those creating a noise alarm or flashing lights, as discussed in Chapters 3 & 6 of the Accident Prevention Manual for Industrial Operations. 2) A comprehensive program of driver qualifications, selection training and enforcement of company safety driving rules and periodic driver testing to verify effectiveness of the program, should be instituted as discussed in ASME/ANSI B56.9-1987 Safety Standard for Operator Controlled Industrial Tow Tractors. 3) Drivers should be instructed to safeguard pedestrians at all times and to exercise particular care at doorways and other locations, where pedestrians may step into the path of travel of the tractor and load as discussed in ASME/ANSI B56.9-1987 Safety Standard for Operator Controlled Industrial Tow Tractors. 4) Drivers should be instructed to slow down and sound audible warning devices at locations where vision is obstructed, as discussed in ASME/ANSI B56.9-1987 Safety Standard for Operator Controlled Industrial Tow Tractors.