Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: STRUCK BY

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 a struck by hazard: a.On or about February 14, 2012, the employer, attempting to fell a tree, allowed a Bobcat Loader model 853 with a pallet fork attachment, to be used in a manner not as intended by the manufacturer, that exposed employees to a struck by hazard. b.On or about February 14, 2012, an employee operated the Bobcat Loader model 853 that was found missing the operator cage restraint nuts and utilizing a damaged pallet fork attachment, exposing employees to a struck by hazard. Feasible and acceptable methods to correct the hazard include, but are not limited to the following: Instance a: Owner and operators of the bobcat loader must evaluate the work conditions to include the intended use and rated operating capacities in accordance with the manufacturer's operation and maintenance manual. Instance b: Have the loader serviced, repaired and certified in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation as discussed in the operation and maintenance manual prior to returning it to service. For example, ensure that the restraint nuts on the operator's cage are in place and that the attachments are in good operating condition. ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION ARE REQUIRED.