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 was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to both engulfment and crushing hazards. (a)Large Silage Pile: On or about March 7, 2008, and at times prior, truck drivers parked at the large corn silage pile were exposed to the collapse of the overhang of the silage face. (b)Large Silage Pile: On or about March 7, 2008, and at times prior, employees working as feeders operating front-end loaders were exposed to the collapse of the overhang of a corn silage face. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable to correct this hazard include: a) Establishing restricted areas in the vicinity of all silage faces (i.e. zone off the hazardous areas and post warning signs with appropriate directions for both the onsite and offsite employees). Enforce the prohibition of workers entering these areas. b) Establishing and implementing feedout safe work practices to prevent undercutting the silage face which may include smaller horizontal silos and ensuring the silage face slopes back toward the pile thus avoiding an overhang. Note: Abatement certification and documentation required for these items.