UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: STRUCK BY

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish a place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to stuck-by hazards: (a)Bratton Mechanical & Welding & Rig #907, Parachute, CO 81635: On or before October 4, 2007, the exposing employer did not ensure that an employee welding and working in close proximity to a material handling arm or stinger boom which had a compressor motor rigged to the hook, was protected from struck-by hazards. The welder was attempting to oxygen/aceytelene torch cut and remove the motor off of a compressor. The employee was fatally injured after he was struck-by the material handling arm or "stinger" boom, after it released from the quick coupler of the front-end loader mast. Abatement Note: Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method can be found in SAE J153 Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice, Section 7.10 Operator- General Precautions, instructs operators: "Watch for bystanders and never allow anyone to be under or reach through the machine and it's equipment while operating." Abatement Note: Among other methods, another feasible and acceptable abatement method can be found in Caterpillar Operation and Maintenance Manual, pg 18, Before Operation: "Clear all personnel from the machine and from the area." On page 20, Work Tools: "To prevent personnel from being struck by flying objects, ensure that all personnel are out of the work area." Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (see enclosed "Sample Abatement Certification Letter").tion