Inspection Detail

Inspection: 315343764 - United Power Contractors

Inspection Information - Office: San Diego District Office

Investigation Summary

On February 16, 2012 at 11:15 a.m., an employee was disassembling pieces of a steel transmission power link tower, and he was using fall protection while moving from one point to another. A forklift was raising a part and there was a popping sound which startled the employee. He lost his balance and fell about 10 feet inside the interior portion of the structure, and he hit a cross brace. The paramedics transported the employee to the hospital. The employee had 8 fractured ribs on his left side and was in the hospital for less than 24 hours for treatment that did not require surgery. Equipment and materials was a transmission tower, forklift and safety harnesses with belts with clips and lanyards. The employer provided high voltage electrical construction services for transmission and distribution. The employer reported the incident at 4:30 p.m. that day.

Keywords: FRACTURE, INDUSTRIAL TRUCK, LANYARD, RIB, FALL, FALL PROTECTION, LOST BALANCE, TRANSMISSION TOWER