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 likely to cause death or serious physical harm to the employees in that employees were exposed to the hazard of being crushed or struck by a grapple rake work tool attachment used on a skid steer: a)Jobsite: On May 24, 2010 and times prior thereto, employee(s) worked near the "bite" danger area of a Dymax grapple rake attachment (s/n 151298) installed on a Cat 299C skid steer (s/n CJSP00752), with the grapple in the raised/open position. Employee(s) performed tree removal activities which included using the skid steer with the grapple rake attachment to attempt to pry open a previous cut on a tree stump in order to free a stuck chainsaw bar from the stump. Note 1) Feasible and acceptable abatement for this hazard may include, but is not limited to: a) Be familiar with and follow the manufacturer's warnings, safety messages and recommendations contained in the Caterpillar Operation and Maintenance Manual, April 2009, for 299C Compact Track Loaders, when using this equipment, with or without a work tool. b) Develop and implement safe work practices. Sources may include the operation and maintenance manuals for the equipment and work tools being used, as well as information available through professional societies, including but not limited to, The International Society of Arboriculture, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) guidelines for Arboriculture Operations, Z133.1, and experienced, qualified workers. c) Provide employees with training in safe work practices, safety messages, safety warnings, and the manufacturers instructions on proper use and operation of the Dymax grapple rake attachment, and the Caterpillar 299C skid steer (s/n CJSP00752) alone, and with a work tool installed. d) Incorporate the use of wedges as much as possible and whenever necessary as a standard safe work practice. Note 2) Abatement certification and supporting documentation are required for this item.