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

OSH Act of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): 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 crushing hazards: (a) On or about August 8, 2020, an employee was crushed by the counterweight of an excavator while attempting to connect a choker cable around a 37 inch diameter steel reinforced concrete pipe to be lowered into an excavation for the installation of a storm sewer in a residential street in the vicinity of 31st Avenue SE and Second Street SE in Minot, North Dakota. Note: Among other methods, one feasible and accepted method to correct this hazard would be to follow the warnings contained in the manufacturer's manual to ensure that all persons are clear of the area before operating the machine and to be alert of bystanders moving into the work area. Also, follow the Equipment Manufacturers recommendations to provide workers to direct safe movement and communication between workers and operators prior to approaching the machine.