Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001A 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 from a fall or crushing injuries while riding in a backhoe bucket: (a)On or about December 28, 2006, an employee engaged in measuring the bottom of a trench for the placement of a storm water vault entered and exited the trench (measured over 8 feet deep) by riding in the bucket of a John Deere Turbo 4x4 backhoe, thereby exposing the employee to the hazard of an 8 foot high fall from the bucket or crushing injuries. A feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard would be to develop and enforce a work rule specifying the prohibition of using the buckets of heavy machinery for means of access/egress to trenches, training of employees in this work rule and documentation of the training. Also providing a safe means of access/egress from the trench (i.e ramp, ladder). Note: Abatement certification required for this item.