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 hazards such as struck by, run over and/or crushed when straddle carrier vehicles approached employees performing duties associated with baling steel tubes. On January 12, 2008 in Bay #5 of the finishing department, an employee was struck by the Clark #24 straddle carrier vehicle. The work area was not clear of employees before the straddle carrier entered the area. The existing straddle carrier operator visibility safety features were not maintained. Mirrors were not cleaned, the backup audible alarm and the strobe light were disconnected and the dual video camera system was not working. Among other methods, the following is a feasible and acceptable method to correct the hazard. 1. Implement and enforce a work rule which requires the operators of straddle carrier vehicles involved with bolster pick up not to approach the load until it is established to be clear of all potentially exposed employees. 2. Maintain the existing straddle carrier vehicles visibility safety features such as convex mirrors, video camera system, audible backup alarms and backup strobe light. 3. Ensure the straddle carrier vehicle pre-operation checklist and the material movement preventive maintenance checklist include safety features. 4. Conduct periodic and frequent safety awareness training regarding the visibility hazards when working near or around straddle carrier vehicles.