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

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: a) On or about October 11, 1988 and at times prior to, employees at P & E Woodworking, Inc. were required to operate a finger jointer which had been malfunctioning for at least a week. The finger jointer had not been removed from service nor had operators been warned that it might cycle unexpectedly. Employees were exposed to possible amputation of fingers. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to: Install an air dryer in the pneumetic system to prevent water from collecting in cylinders and valves, and develop procedures for all equipment operators so that new operators, (or at shift changes) are advised of possible malfunctions.