Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: STRUCK BY

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 hazards of: a) On or about August 5, 2008 at or near the intersections of Bradshaw and River Plantation Drive, employees were exposed to the hazard of being struck by flying objects by standing in the path of a tree that was connected to the winch line of the Vermeer BC1800XL brush chipper with the feed rollers engaged. The winch line became entangled in the 1000 RPM cutting drum, pulling the tree at a high velocity over 40 feet, striking the two employees. Among other methods of abatement, feasible and useful, one method to abate this hazard would be to ensure the following safeguards are instituted: 1) All brush chipper operators are properly trained using the manufacturer's operating manual. 2) Employee's are standing clear of the winch line and work area when the machine is in operation. 3) Proper rigging assembly is used to secure materials to the end of the winch line. 4) Brush or branches do not snag winch line and pull it into the cutting drum.