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CRUSHED BY FALLING MACHINERY
| Accident Type: |
Crushed by Falling Machinery |
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| Weather Conditions: |
Dry, Partly Sunny |
| Type of Operation: |
General Contractor |
| Size of Work Crew: |
2 |
| Collective Bargaining |
Yes |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
Yes |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
Yes |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
Yes |
| Training and Education Provided: |
No |
| Employee Job Title: |
Millwright |
| Age & Sex: |
29-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
2 years |
| Time on Project: |
3 weeks |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
Two employees were making final adjustments to a large machine in a new paper mill facility. They were using two hydraulic jacks and two 4" × 4" uprights under one end of the 6,000 lb. piece of equipment which was suspended by four ¾ threaded rods. First, the employees would jack up one end of the piece about an inch. Then, one employee would climb a set of temporary steps to hand tighten the nuts on the threaded rods. Thus, the 6,000 lb. piece was supported solely by the two vertical timbers on the heads of the hydraulic jacks. The timbers were set under a 5/8" side rail without any block or other devices between them. No cribbing, blocking, shoring or other stabilizing methods were used to secure the load after it was raised. When the end of the piece was jacked up, it fell, crushing one employee and narrowly missing the other.
INSPECTION RESULTS
As result of the its investigation, OSHA issued citations for three alleged serious violations of its standards. OSHA standards include several requirements which, if they had been followed, might have prevented this fatality.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Establish written procedures outlining the steps to be followed during installation of new equipment. Review the procedures with employees to ensure they understand and arrange for supervisors to check periodically to see that the established procedures are being followed.
- Train employees in the proper inspection techniques for hydraulic jacks and the procedures to be used during the installation of the equipment (1926.21(b)(2)).
- Crib or block the load after raising to secure it against movement (1910.244(a)(2)(iii)).
- Inspect hydraulic jacks at least every 6 months for deteriorated lines, leaks, mushroomed heads, etc. (1910.244(a)(2)(vi)(a)).
- Inspect rigging equipment prior to each shift use (1926.251 (a)(1)).
SOURCES OF HELP
- Construction Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 2207) which contains all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations (1926 and 1910) covering construction.
- OSHA Safety and Health Training Guide-lines for Construction (available from the National Technical Information Service - Order No. PB-239-312/AS) comprised of a set of 15 guidelines to help construction employees establish a training program in the safe use of equipment, tools, and machinery on the job.
- OSHA-funded free onsite consultation services. Consult your telephone directory for the number of your local OSHA area or regional office for further assistance and advice (listed under the U.S. Department of Labor or under the state government section where states administer the own OSH programs).
NOTE: The case here described was selected as being representative of fatalities caused by improper work practices. No special emphasis or priority is implied nor is the case necessarily a recent occurrence. The legal aspects of the incident have been resolved, and the case is now closed. |
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