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 crushing hazards when working in close proximity to raised loads: 1) On or about October 20, 2006, and at prior times, an employee of Flint Energy Services, Inc. was exposed to crushing hazards while working in close proximity to a raised load. The employee welded two sections of pipe together that were elevated off the ground. One of the pipe sections was supported by a sling attached to the bucket of a backhoe. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to ensure that employees follow safety precautions listed in the backhoe manufacturer's operator's manual which states 'Keep all persons away from raised load until blocks are supporting it or load is sitting on the ground'. This could be accomplished by supporting sections of pipe to be welded with skids or hydraulic jacks after the pipes are in place for welding. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation is required for this item (see enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").-Certification