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

North Carolina General Statute 95-129(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina: The employer did not furnish each of his employees conditions of employment and a place of employment 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 and similar injuries while working in a or around a tobacco baler: a) Tobacco baling operation - Two employees were standing inside of a Taylor "Big Foot" tobacco baler, taping cardboard boxes to the inside walls of the baler, while the baler was not de-energized to prevent the plunger from becoming activated and crushing them. b) Tobacco baling operation - Two employees were reaching in between the plunger and walls of the chamber while the plunger was compressing tobacco, exposing them to the pinch points between these parts. c) Tobacco baling operation - One employee was leaning against the door while the plunger of the baler was compressing tobacco. The pressure could cause the door to unlatch and spring open, striking the employee without enough force to cause injury. Abatement Notice: One feasible and acceptable means of abatement is to train and ensure that employees operate the machine according to the manufacturer's specifications.