Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 001 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 was free from recognized hazards which were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that, employees were exposed to crushing and amputation injuries while welding wind tower sections together where the sections were improperly supported: a) On or about November 22, 2010, and at times prior, the employer did not ensure that employees were protected from crushing and amputation injuries while welding wind tower sections together. The welder was starting the final welds on the two tower sections that were only held together by tack welds. The roller support (Romar) which supported the two tacked sections was prematurely removed from under the seam in order to speed up production, contrary to the written company Production Work Instructions (PWI). The tack welds were unable to support the stress after the roller (Romar) was removed and the joint failed resulting in the amputation of the welder's fingers and a broken wrist. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation is required for this item (see enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter"). Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazardous condition is to ensure that the employees follow the companies Production Work Instructions.