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 being caught in and crushed by the bucket arms: (a)On or about 2/14/02 in the shop area at 84 West Street, Hamburg, NY; the Melroe Co. "Bobcat" Skid Steer Loader, Model 440B, serial number 505215731, seat bar safety interlocking system was bypassed. An employee was attempting to repair a leaking hydraulic cylinder and started up the machine, bypassing the safety device (operator seat bar interlock system) then attempted to exit the cab. His foot struck the foot controls to lower the bucket arms which trapped and squeezed him between the arms and the frame causing his death. Among others, several feasible and acceptable methods to reduce this hazard are: (1)Train employees in the operating controls and their functions, especially the purpose of the interlocking safety device and seat belt; as well as the safety precautions to be taken when entering and exiting the cab, such as lowering and/or blocking the arms per Owners Manual, pages 10, 22, 23 & 38. (2)Perform regular preventive maintenance on the Skid Steer to catch hydraulic leaks and repair them early. (3)Control access to the Skid Steer, so that untrained employees cannot start it up. ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED