Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: STRUCK BY

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 struck by a rolling and/or falling mud motor during the loading of the flat bed equipment trailer. On or about 9/17/03 the Blackmax Mud Motor was being loaded on top of the bore rods that were already placed and secured on the equipment trailer. The mud motor was being placed on two 4x4 timbers, to be tied down for transport, when the mud motor began to roll towards the south side of the equipment trailer. The 4x4 timbers were flat, on all sides, and there was nothing provided on the timbers (chocks or blocks) to keep the mud motor from rolling, or to stop the mud motor if it did start rolling. Among other methods, a feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to utilize timbers that are designed to cradle the mud motor, or to utilize 4x4 timbers that are made with substantial built in chocks or blocks which can control rolling and prevent roll-offs of the mud motor. A source of reference for the safe handling and storage of pipes is the National Safety Council Data Sheet #1-623-Rev.84 "Handling and Storage of Water Transmission Pipes and Fittings" which has been revised by the Public Utilities Section, Industrial Division, of the National Safety Council.