Accident Report Detail
Accident Summary Nr: 202469441 - Employee Is Injured When Caught in Pivot Point
| Inspection Nr | Date Opened | SIC | NAICS | Establishment Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 312437890 | 07/27/2010 | 4941 | 221310 | Kern County Water Agency |
Abstract: At approximately 10:15 a.m. on July 14, 2010, Coworker #1 was performing a regularly assigned task of raking moss off metal grate and into excavator bucket using a bow rake, in the attempt to rake hanging moss into bucket for disposal into adjoining dump truck. Coworker #1 arrived on work site and began operating boom on mobile boom-type excavator. Coworker#2 arrived five minutes later and sat in the driver's seat of the excavator to assist Coworker #1 by driving it in reverse. The employee arrived about five minutes later. The employee parked his vehicle and was seen driving into work site by Coworker #1. Coworker #2 saw the employee as he walked in front of unit and waved to the employee. The employee walked towards the east side of unit, opposite side of rotation of boom travel, to go get a bow rake situated on the platform of the unit. It was leaning against backside of driver cab or structure, and was maintained there for use. The employee ascended lower step rung, and possibly second rung. As the employee reached in to grab rake, the counterweight pivoted towards him and crushed him between it and the backside of the cabin and surrounding metal structures. The employee was hospitalized seven days and was treated for pulmonary contusions, collapsed right lung, fractures to spinal column, sternum, right clavicle, and ribs, and hemorrhage to both eyes. The employee was working in close proximity to the driver of the platform-mounted excavator, and the operator of the boom. Interviews were conducted of the human resources manager, boom operator, and the injured worker. The investigation concluded that the boom operator did not stop the unit or exchange signals with the employee prior to employee stepping onto platform.
| Employee # | Inspection Nr | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 312437890 | Hospitalized injury | Other | Miscellaneous plant and system operators |
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