Accident Report Detail

Accident Summary Nr: 201040755 - Two employees die after inhaling gas in sewer manhole

Accident Summary Nr: 201040755 -- Report ID: 0953220 -- Event Date: 09/26/2000
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
303961155	09/26/2000	1623	0	R.P. Weddell & Sons, Co.

Abstract: At approximately 12:15 p.m. on September 26, 2000, Employees #1 and #2 were trying to unclog a sewer line. Employee #1 entered the north manhole to place a bucket that would catch all the debris coming out of the pipe. Employee #2 was able to release the blockage in the south manhole, and the water moved to the north manhole. Employee #1, who was still there, called for help and Employee #2 ran to his assistance. Both workers succumbed to gas present in the pipe, and died of asphyxia.

Keywords: SEWER, ASPHYXIATED, VAPOR, CONSTRUCTION, INHALATION, GAS, CLOGGED, CHEMICAL VAPOR, MANHOLE

Accident Details
End Use		Project Type		Project Cost	Stories	Non-building Height	Fatality
Sewer/water treatment plant		Maintenance or repair		$50,000 to $250,000			X

Employee Details
Employee #	Inspection Nr	Age	Sex	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation	Construction
1	303961155			Fatality	Asphyxia	Construction laborers	Distance of Fall: feet Worker Height Above Ground/Floor: feet Cause: Temporary work (buildings, facilities) Fatality Cause: Asphyxiation/inhalation of toxic vapor
2	303961155			Fatality	Asphyxia	Construction laborers	Distance of Fall: feet Worker Height Above Ground/Floor: feet Cause: Temporary work (buildings, facilities) Fatality Cause: Asphyxiation/inhalation of toxic vapor

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