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 in that, employees were exposed to struck-by and crushing hazards related to hay bales falling off flatbed trailers: (a)Utica Grain, Incorporated at 31020 450th Avenue, Gayville, SD 57031: On or about and at times prior to March 22, 2019, the employer did not ensure employees were protected from struck-by and crushing hazards related to unloading hay bales from a flatbed trailer. On March 22, 2019, a semi-truck driver was injured as a result of being struck by falling bales weighing approximately 1500 pounds. The semi-truck driver was attempting to retrieve a strap from under the trailer while the hay bales were being removed by a employee operating a John Deere 6170R tractor with a hay bale spear attachment when a bale fell from the trailer and struck the employee. 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 in all directions around the truck and trailer. d. Establish an escape route in the event the load is unexpectedly unstable. This could include the area underneath the trailer in an emergency. e. Sequence the work operations so that removing securement straps is complete prior to beginning unloading operations. f. Prior to commencing unloading operations, assess the area around the load to ensure it is free of personnel.