Bend Pak, Inc.: OSHA inspections and violations

Incident on Sep 2, 2005: Employee arm is crushed by hydraulic lift

On September 2, 2005 Employee #1, a welding supervisor, was disconnecting a hydr aulic pump that was being used to operate hydraulics for equipment and hydraulic actuated products. The pump was attached to a SR 12 E Ramp, a car ramp produced by the company. Hydraulic fluid is pumped from the hydraulic pump to the ramp v ia a hose. As hydraulic fluid is pumped into the system, the track of the lift i s elevated. The lifting action is similar to a scissor lift. As the platform is elevated, the pawl of the pawl-rack system rides along the rack. Once the approp riate height is achieved the hydraulic system is depressurized slightly so the l ift lowers to allow the pawl rest on the next lower tooth on the rack; effective ly dogging the lift at the desired height. The lift is lowered by utilizing a pn eumatic system in conjunction with the hydraulic system. The pneumatics release and hold the pawl off the rack. With the pawl disengaged the lift is supported o nly by the hydraulic pressure supplied by the pump. The hydraulic fluid is relea sed and the lift lowers. Employee #1 was holding the pawl off the rack with his right arm and bleeding the hydraulic fluid from the lift with left hand. The lin kages of the lift closed as the pressure is bled out. The linkages closed on Emp loyee #1's right arm, crushing it. Employee #1 was not aware of the secondary pn eumatic system to hold the pawl and he was working alone. Employee #1 was hospit alized and treated for his injuries. This was not Employee #1's regular assigned task and he was not trained to operate the equipment.

Incident on Jan 21, 2000: Employee injured when foot crushed by bundle of steel chains

Employee #1's foot was crushed while he was testing an auto lift cylinder with 3 000 pounds of weight. The lift cylinder test failed and the steel chains used as testing weight fell onto Employee #1's foot, causing a fracture and his hospita lization.