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

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: a) On or about December 31, 1997, employee(s) of the in-plant railroad department were exposed to the hazards of being struck by, run over by or crushed by moving railcars, tank cars, box cars, etc., in that there were no specified procedures for safe movement of railcars. Employee(s) were directing railcar movements by radio communication only. The communication between the conductor (lead person) and the locomotive operator was not continuous nor was the distance of the movement of the railcars specified. The movement was not stopped in one-half the remaining distance when additional instructions or communications were not received. One feasible and acceptable method of abatement is to develop and adopt rules and procedures which are consistent with 49 CFR of the Federal Railroad Administration, including but not limited to, 49 CFR 220.49 which states: "When radio communication is used in lieu of hand signals in connection with the switching, backing or pushing of a train, engine, or car, the employee directing the movement shall give complete instructions or keep in continuous radio contact with employees receiving the instructions. When backing or pushing a train, engine or cars, the distance of the movement must be specified, and the movement must stop in one-half the remaining distance unless additional instructions are received. If the instructions are not understood or continuous radio contact is not maintained, the movement shall be stopped immediately and may not be resumed until the misunderstanding has been resolved, radio contact has been restored, or communication has been achieved by hand signals or other procedures in accordance with the operating rules of the railroad."