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 are exposed to a crushing and/or drowning hazard due to potential roll-over when operating zero turn ride-on mowers at areas of variable slope and at sloped embankments in close proximity to lakes or ponds or near curbing drop off, on or about 02/11/11. a. Rollover protection was not installed on a Husqvarna riding mower, company number 370210005; employees operating the mower are exposed to a crushing hazard in the event the mower over turns when mowing in close proximity of curbs as observed on or about 02/11/11 Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard would be: 1. Install a properly functioning rollover protection and ensure that employees always fully extend the Roll-over Protective systems per manufacturers instructions, (exemptions may include when mowing under trees with low branches on flat surfaces). 2. Develop and implement a training program for the mower operators that requires supervisors and operators be thoroughly trained in the safe operating practices for the mowers, and in the recognition of potentially hazardous conditions, such as those stated in the "Safety Instructions for Operators" section of the American National Standard for "Safety Specification for Power Lawn Mowers, Lawn and Garden Tractors, and lawn Tractor", ANSI B71.1-2003. 3. Follow the manufacturer operating instructions for the equipment operated near lakes, drop offs and sloped embankments. 4. Use weed-edging equipment and walk behind mowers in the "Safety Zone" areas (at the edge of waters and near drop offs). 5. Establish and implement unannounced safety audits to ensure all operators are following the established safe practices. 6. Establish a progressive disciplinary action policy for employees who fail to follow established safe work practices.