UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Abstract: Employees #1 and #2 were cambering two 62 ft long by 36 in. wide rolled steel beams. The two beams were laid on a series of parallel tables and pushed outward until the ends came up against steel uprights functioning as stops. A hydraulic jack was then placed between the centers of the beams and, using the electrically driven hydraulic pump, pressure was placed on the ram in an effort to put pressure on the beams and force the centers outward. Employees #1 and #2 were heating strategic points on the beams when the jack apparently slipped out and the two beams came crashing together. The employees' heads were crushed between the beams, killing them. Examination of the ram indicated that it had been repeatedly damaged in use. The end cap was missing and the load was being applied directly to the end of the piston, which was rounded off and mushroomed, and thus not fully engaging the workpiece. Other factors contributing to the accident included debris on the work tables that was catching the beams as they were pushed outward, inadequate hold-down clamps on the ends of the beams, and hydraulic equipment that had not been inspected.