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 employmnent 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 hazard of crushing injuries or death: Worksite: Employees were exposed to crushing injuries resulting from rollovers while operating a Bombardier Muskeg tractor equipped with an unapproved drill rig on a 40 percent sloped hill with heavy forestation and rough terrain. On or about August 10, 2010, the operator was killed when the tractor rolled over while traveling horizontally on the hill, ejected the operator from the cab, and was crushed underneath the cab. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to: 1.Determine the operational range and limitations of the tractor, which would include notifying and consulting with the manufacturer or a qualified engineer on the addition of the drill assembly to the carrier. 2.Provide the employees with training and instructions based on the new and or modified maximum operational gradeability / stability for travel and operational design limitations for various types of terrain on which the machine will operate. 3.Inspect slopes and plan a proper path of travel for the work area. Construct and maintain an appropriate grade to safely accommodate the movement of the tractor.