ACCIDENT SUMMARY No. 50

Accident Type:	Caught between Backhoe Superstructure and Concrete Wall
Weather Conditions:	Clear/Cool
Type of Operation:	Excavation Contractor
Size of Work Crew:	9
Collective Bargaining	Yes
Competent Safety Monitor on Site:	No
Safety and Health Program in Effect:	No
Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly:	No
Training and Education Provided:	No
Employee Job Title:	Truck Driver
Age & Sex:	34-Male
Experience at this Type of Work:	Unknown
Time on Project:	4 Days

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT

The contractor was operating a backhoe when an employee attempted to walk between the swinging superstructure of the backhoe and a concrete wall. As the employee approached the backhoe from the operator's blind side, the superstructure hit the victim crushing him against the wall.

INSPECTION RESULTS

OSHA issued two citations to the employer. One was based on failure to train employees in safe work practices regarding the dangers of construction machinery. The other citation was for failure to erect barricades to prevent entry into a swinging superstructure's radius.

ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Instruct each employee on the danger of passing between swinging superstructures of large construction equipment and solid objects at the demolition site [29 CRF 1926.21(b)(2)].
2. Provide each employee employment and place of employment which are free from recognized hazards causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees [OSH Act Sec. 5(a)(1)].

SOURCES OF HELP

• OSHA General Industry Standards [CFR parts 1900-1910] and OSHA Construction Standards [CFR Part 1926] which together include all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations covering construction.
• OSHA-funded free consultation services listed in telephone directories under U.S. Labor Department or under the state government section where states administer their own OSHA programs.
• OSHA Safety and Health Training Guidelines for Construction (Available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161; 703/487-4650; Order No. PB-239-312/AS): a set of 15 guidelines to help construction employers establish a training program in the safe use of equipment, tools, and machinery on the job

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.