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(s) of crushing and/or drowning due to potential roll-overs while operating riding mowers: a) for the employees operating the Toro brand riding mowers (Models 74244 & 74247) on slopes greater than 15 degrees, as observed on or about October 20, 2005 in the Shoreshore Falls subdivision along MillerMac Road in Apollo Beach, Florida. On this date employees were observed mowing across the face of the slopes and at the edge of a drainage and retention canal. The Roll-Over Protection bars were not fully extended and one mower had already slid into the edge of the canal. The angle of the slopes ranged from 19 - 23 degrees; the maximum slope for this equipment, as per the manufacturer was 15 degrees. Abatement Note(s): Means of feasible abatement include, but may not be limited to, the following: 1. Establish and implement a formal training program which follows the manufacturer's operating instructions: This includes "mowing up and down" slopes greater than 5 degrees; never mowing across the face of slopes; and, never mowing on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Use weed-edging equipment and walk- behind mowers in the "Safety Zone" areas (at the edge of waters, or near drop-offs). Never mow up and down slopes using a walk- behind mower. Training must be in the language that employees can fully understand. 2. Ensure employees have copies of the manufacturer's Safety Tips for ZRT riding mowers. 3. Ensure employees have copies and understand how to use the manufacturer's "slope chart" from the "Think and Live Safely" pamphlet. 4. Ensure operators always fully extend the Roll-over Protection system as indicated by the manufacturer (exceptions may include when under trees with low branches on flat surfaces). 5. Establish and implement unannounced safety audits to ensure all operators are following the established safe practices. 6. Establish a progressive disciplinary policy for employees who fail to follow established safe work practices.