UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

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 the hazards of hit and/or struck by falling heavy objects/wooden trusses: Worksite: The employer did not ensure through performing visual observation, specific instructions and providing appropriate information and training to the employee prior to and/or during installing wooden roof trusses (trusses) that all trusses were firmly and appropriately secured and braced to prevent from displacement during installation following the procedures listed below at a minimum. The majority of the trusses were not secured and/or braced. On or about 06/03/2010, an employee engaged in installing trusses fell 16 feet, from the top plate of an exterior wall, to the ground and was crushed by inadequately braced and secured metal plate connected wood trusses. The employee's legs and feet were crushed, requiring multiple re-constructive surgeries. AMONG OTHER METHODS, ONE FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE MEANS OF ABATEMENT IS TO: 1.Following all the recommendations of the Truss Plate Institute BSCI guide to good practices for handling installation, restraining and bracing of metal plate connected wood trusses. 2.Follow the industry recommended safe practice. 3. Utilize other safe and appropriate technologies. 4.Provide employees with appropriate and pertinent training and information. Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item.