Violation Detail
Standard Cited: 5A0001 OSH Act General Duty Paragraph
This violation item has been deleted.
Inspection Nr: 303733554
Citation: 01001
Citation Type: Serious
Abatement Date: 10/28/2002
Initial Penalty: $1,500.00
Current Penalty: $1,500.00
Issuance Date: 09/24/2002
Nr Instances: 1
Nr Exposed: 2
Related Event Code (REC): A
Gravity: 10
Report ID: 0728900
Contest Date: 10/08/2002
Final Order: 05/27/2003
Emphasis:
| Type | Latest Event | Event Date | Penalty | Abatement Due Date | Citation Type | Failure to Abate Inspection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penalty | F: Formal Settlement | 05/27/2003 | $1,500.00 | 10/28/2002 | Serious | |
| Penalty | Z: Issued | 09/24/2002 | $1,500.00 | 10/28/2002 | Serious |
Text For Citation: 01 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 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: crushing/amputation hazards when applying brakes to rail cars. On 9/6/02, employees were exposed to an amputation hazard associated with uncontrolled, rolling, rail cars. The accident occurred while in the process of moving rail cars in the company's rail yard. The employer's rail yard track is on a low grade, allowing the cars to gravity roll to the North end of the track. An employee moved three rail cars, and was in the process of applying the brake on the rail car on the South end. The rail car on the North end came uncoupled from the last two. The Office Manager who was in the yard taking inventory saw the car uncouple and attempted to apply the brake before the rail car could contact a conveyor across the tracks. The brake on the uncontrolled rail car was located on the North end, placing the office manager in front of the moving rail car when the amputation occurred. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable methods to control the hazards are: (1) Develop and implement a process or procedure, such as a matrix, that would provide specific guidance in determining the appropriate number of hand brakes to apply, considering grade, tonnage, and other local conditions prevalent at the time of securement. This is described in the Notice of Safety Advisory 97-2 published by the Federal Railroad Administration, which addresses safety practices to reduce the risk of casualties from runaway locomotives, cars, and trains caused by a failure to properly secure unattended rolling equipment. (2) Utilize a positive method of rail car control, such as a dedicated locomotive or car mover to move rail cars in the rail yard. (3) Train employees to inspect couplers to make sure they are fully fastened and in good working condition prior to moving the rail cars. (4) Develop and implement a process or procedure to remove equipment from the tracks when not in use. Abatement certification and abatement documentation is required for this violation. The documentation should include written verification of abatement, applicable measurements or monitoring results, and photographs or videos which you believe will be helpful. The abatement certification sheet is enclosed with the citations.ion
Translate