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

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 being caught between steel beams weighing between 7,000-9,000 lbs. when the beams were placed on skids/stands that did not have a known rated load capacity: (a)Facility, 98 E. 1st Street, Donora, PA: On or about 4/09/09 an employee who was performing touch- up paint work was injured when one of the skid/stands that was being used to support beams failed causing the beams to slide together, catching the employee's legs between two of the beams. The webbing of the skid/stand bent under the weight of the beams. The beams weigh between 7,000 and 9,000 pounds each and are approximately 60 feet in length. Approximately 7 beams were landed on 4 20 ft. in length skid/stands. The skid/stands do not have a known rated load capacity. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable means of abatement to correct this hazard is to use skids/stands that have been load tested and rated for a load capacity capable of supporting the load imposed on them. In addition, load charts for these skids/stands, which would include the maximum load ratings, should be affixed to the skids/stands.