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 and/or entrapment from potential equipment roll over: a.At the workplace, the employer did not ensure that a roll over protective structure (ROPS) was installed on the Hustler Z zero turn lawnmower model 928028 serial number 06033164 to prevent injury and/or death in the event of a roll over. On or about October 4, 2007, an employee sustained injuries that lead to his death while operating a zero turn lawnmower near the drop-off of a pond in proximity to hole number 12 when the lawnmower rolled off an embankment, and overturned onto the employee trapping him in the pond below. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement of this hazard is to install a roll over protective structure (ROPS) as recommended by the manufacturer, when the terrain creates a potential for rollover. Additionally, implement a training program that includes instruction on the safety precautions as published in the Hustler Z operators manual that must be followed when operating the zero turn lawnmowers and/or other similar equipment.