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 August 19, 1992 and at times prior thereto at Inkom, Idaho and other sites, employees were exposed to the hazard of being injured by operating equipment with deficient braking mechanisms and subject to losing control of the vehicle while harvesting hillside grain fields with a Case 1680 combine. Feasible and acceptable abatement methods, among others, to correct this hazard include: (1) Implement a routine and a comprehensive equipment inspection program, including essentials such as steering and braking mechanisms, to ensure the equipment is in sound and safe operating condition. Equipment inspection logs and maintenance logs should be used to keep track of the condition and history of equipment. (2) Limit equipment operation to slope and terrain conditions intended for the equipment as manufactured. Manufacturers build "Hillside" combines for use on hillsides and slopes. Such machines are built with ROPs cages and seat belts for operator safety. (3) Institute formal employee training program on safe equipment operations.