Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 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 were exposed to: a) Loading Area, east Stephens-Adamson car puller, style #969, used for pulling railcars into position; wire rope had more than six (6) broken wires in a strand within a single lay, visible rust and corrosion, missing one (1) of two (2) anchorments on drum and was not spooled onto drum in a smooth, even manner, creating potential hazard of wire rope separating under load, striking employees. b) Loading Area, west Stephens-Adamson car puller, style #16H used for pulling cars into position; rope had visible rust and corrosion, crushing-appears to have been run over, two (2) clip anchorments used at hook attachment, and wire was not spooled onto drum in a smooth, even manner, creating potential hazard of wire rope separating under load, striking employees. Feasible means of abatement as follows: 1. Train employees in proper usage and recognition of deteriorating conditions. 2. Inspect wire rope prior to each use and develop and implement periodic inspections of car puller and wire rope systems, maintain inspection records. 3. Lubricate wire rope(s) on periodic basis. 4. Observe the spooling of rope onto the drum to insure an even wind. 5. Remove all employee(s) from area when railcar pulling is conducted and/or provide sufficient strength barrier to protect employees should breakage occur. Provide a warning alarm/light at entrances into area to warn employee(s) that pulling process is about to begin and is currently in process. Maintain this warning system until pull is completed. 6. Utilize manufacturers recommendations for use and application such as inspection, lubrication and sufficient number of clips per rope