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 the hazard of being struck by the excavator's bucket: (a)On the west side of the Martial Arts building on or about August 31, 2011, and at times prior thereto, bolts were substituted for manufacturer's retaining pins or equivalent to secure a bucket to a Komatsu PC 200LC excavator. A 9.5 inch long by 5/8s inch diameter bolt was in a 4.5 inch diameter pivot point, a 10 inch long by 0.5 inch diameter bolt was in a 7 inch diameter pivot point, a 7.5 inch long by 5/8s inch diameter bolt was in a 5.25 inch diameter pivot point, and a bent 6.5 inch long by 0.5 inch diameter bolt was in a 4 inch diameter pivot point. The excavator was used to dig a trench for electrical and communication lines. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to: (1) Follow the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) "Safety Manual for Operating and Maintenance Personnel" which requires that damaged and missing parts be repaired or replaced. (2) Follow the Manufacturer's Operator's Manual by using only service parts meeting the manufacturer specifications. (3) Train operators and maintenance personnel to inspect equipment for defects and to complete service and repairs before equipment is returned to service.