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 likely to cause death or serious physical harm to the employees in that employees were exposed to struck by hazards: a.Recycle yard - Employees were exposed to crushing hazards while working near the side and rear of the excavator. An excavator that did not have a clear view to the back was operated with a broken out operator's side mirror and an inoperable back up alarm, as determined on 01/18/08. NOTE: Among other methods, one or more feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard would be to establish and to enforce accepted safe practices by a) repair or replace backup alarm, b) ensure the backup alarm is operational before each use, c) use a spotter or ground guide when operating excavator in proximity to employees working in cutting area d) remove excavator from service until backup alarm is repaired, e) train employees on the hazards associated with operating the excavator without an operable backup alarm, f) Instruct operators to report malfunctions or unsafe conditions prior to operation, and g) replace operator's side mirror.