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 following: At the Switch Yard between the Steubenville Plant and the Mingo Junction Plant, where hopper rail cars were moved with a locomotive via the use of radio communication, employees were exposed to struck by, run over by, or crushed by hazards, in that: a.The distance of the movement was not specified. b.Movement of the hopper cars was not stopped within one-half the remaining distance when communication ceased. On or about January 17, 2005, an employee was run over by hopper cars resulting in fatal injuries. Rail car movement was directed by radio communication and did not specify the distance of the rail car movement nor stop the movement within one-half the remaining distance when communication ceased. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method of abatement is to develop, adopt and enforce rules and procedures which are consistent with 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 operation rules of the railroad."