Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002A Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1): The employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards were present, or were likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The employer is failing to protect employees from potential struck by hazards associated with working near farm machinery in corn fields during harvest season. This was most recently evident during the inspection of the Kimbrow Farm located at 816 Road 12, Geneva, NE 68361, where the employer has employees lacking in personal protective equipment working in close proximity to heavy farm machinery resulting in an employee fatality after being ran over by a combine. Instances of potential hazardous conditions that may require some form of personal protective equipment include but are not limited to: i. Low visibility conditions as a result of flying dust during harvest or windy fall conditions, later sunrise and earlier sunsets of fall harvest time as well as blending coloring of fall time vegetation and khaki and dark colored clothing commonly worn by workers creates potential struck by hazards to anyone working in these conditions without wearing high visibility clothing. ii. Flying debris or dust as a result of the employee being exposed to fall harvest time in corn fields where the winds very from 15-20mph on a daily basis creates the potential for eye injuries as a result of the lack of proper eye protection. iii. Uneven ground as a result of the harvesting of crops leaving row heights that very 6-12 as well as residual corn stalks, rocks/stones or even metal debris from broken farm machinery creating potential impalement hazards to anyone walking in the field without proper foot protection.