Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: FALLING

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: On or about January 18, 1988, employee(s) were exposed to fractures, concussions, multiple internal injuries, suffocation and/or death from the hazards of being buried by flowing grain while standing and walking on a grain pile. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct thsi hazard is to: 1) Establish and enforce a written plant safety procedure for walking and working on grain piles which will include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following: a) Shutting off and locking out conveyor(s) feeding grain piles before permitting employee(s) to walk or work on the grain piles. b) Prohibit employee(s) from walking and working on grain piles more than waist deep without the use of a body barness connected to a secured lifeline. c) Proper use of personal protective equipment. d) Emergency rescue procedures for employee(s) who may become trapped or buried in flowing grain. 2) Periodically train all employees in the hazards associated with flowing grain and the above plant safety procedure. 3) Enforce all the provisions of this procedure and periodically evaluate its effectiveness.