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

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): 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 unloading flatbed trailers: (a)Rock Valley Hay Auction Company at 29337 483rd Avenue, Hudson, SD 57034: On or about and at times prior to January 8, 2018, the employer did not ensure employees were protected from struck-by hazards while removing load securement straps on large corn bales off flatbed trailers. On January 8, 2018, a truck driver was fatally injured as a result of being crushed by falling bales weighing in excess of 1000 lbs. after releasing the last 4-inch strap on the load. This condition exposed an employee to struck-by and crushing hazards. Abatement Note: Among other methods, feasible and acceptable methods to materially reduce this hazard would be: 1. Establish, implement and train employees on safe procedures for unstrapping bales during the unloading process. These procedures may include, but are not limited to: a. Evaluate the delivery site and park on firm, level ground b. Assess the strapped bales prior to unloading for any evidence of instability c. Identify and communicate the falling object danger zone around the load/unload area and restrict entry to that zone. This zone can vary with each load and can be as much as 40-50 feet around the truck d. Develop a procedure to unsecure the load straps sequentially, in a manner that allows the employee move out of the fall danger zone as the straps are removed e. Ensure that mechanical unloading equipment such as a forklift or front end loader is in place to control the load, prior to removing the safety straps. Limit access to this area by any other personnel while the mechanical equipment is in operation. f. Establish an escape route in the event the load is unexpectedly unstable. This could include the area underneath the trailer in an emergency.