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 due to getting hit by a front end loader. A fatality occurred when an operator did not follow manufacturer's operating instructions. The operator did not ensure the area was clear of personnel prior to operating the front end loader. An employee was pinned between the bucket of the loader and the building resulting in fatal injuries. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct the hazard would be to follow the manufacturer's operating instructions and do not operate the front end loader unless the area is clear of all people.