Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: CRUSHING

5(a)(1): 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. 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 struck by and/or crushed by hazards while operating unsafe company vehicles to transport maintenance personnel and equipment throughout the facility. At the facility, employees were permitted to operate the companys white Chevrolet van, licensed plate number PBQ 3969, that had faulty and worn brakes which did not stop the vehicle in a timely and safe manner; and, a faulty and worn drive transmission which did not provide positive control of the vehicle while moving. The van operator, passengers and pedestrians were exposed to the hazards. One feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard would be to establish a preventive maintenance program to include scheduled vehicle inspections as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer in the vehicle operators manual. The established program shall include servicing and replacing worn and unserviceable parts as necessary, such as, brakes and transmission to maintain the vehicle in a safe operable condition.