Guarding Violation Costs Township $50,000

A worker entered an unheated building owned by a township to change the attachment on a municipal tractor machine, which would then be used to clear snow. On the rear of the machine was a sand spreader attachment with a large top opening. After changing the front attachment, the worker started the machine and walked around to inspect it. He slipped on ice and his arm went into the sand spreader, where it was caught by rotating augers and injured. The township pleaded guilty to a guarding violation and was fined $50,000 [Corporation of the Township of Essa, Govt. News Release, March 6, 2013].