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 employees were exposed to falling and crushing hazards: (a) St. Joseph's Church jobsite; Employees were operating a "Grove" aerial lift with a defective left swing arm switch which prevented the lift from rotating to the left. In addition, the motion alarm was deactivated and the lift was being operated at heights of 40 feet above ground level. (b) St. Joseph's Church jobsite; Employees operating the articulating aerial lift were not trained in the safe operating procedures of the lift. On June 20, 2000, an employee was navigating a "Genie" aerial lift through a vestibule doorway when he became pinned between the door frame and the toprail of the basket. One feasible and acceptable method of abatement is to inspect, test, and repair all devices to ensure all lift controls are in a safe working condition prior to use. Each employee involved in maintaining, moving, operating, and inspecting an aerial lift must be trained in the recognition and avoidance of any unsafe conditions.