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 the hazard of being crushed by steel plates which were leaning at the back of the Viper City Sizer Screening Machine: a) Worksite - The employer placed steel plates, in the leaning position, at the rear of the Viper City Sizer Screening Machine to fill the void that was created when the machine was placed on concrete block to allow a larger loader bucket to fit under the front of the screener to remove the screened dirt. Employees were exposed to the hazard of being crushed by the unexpected tipping of these plates while cleaning excess dirt from the rear of the Sizer; on or about 11/06/06. ABATEMENT NOTES: Among other methods, one feasible method to reduce this hazard is to: a. Position the Viper City Sizer directly on the ground so no extension plates would be needed. b. Use a smaller payloader bucket designed to fit in the Viper City Sizer. c. Provide instructions and training in safe methods of work to employees before assigning them to operate, clean, and service the equipment. d. Monitoring the employees operation of equipment and taking appropriate action to ensure proper use of the equipment,including adherence to safe practices. Note: In addition to abatement certification, the employer is required to submit abatement documentation for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.