Abstract: At approximately 2:30 p.m. on November 5, 2003, Employee #1 was installing an 8 in. diameter steel diagonal brace that would not correctly position itself into the bolt hole from Employee #'s position on the ladder. Employee #1 had to use a sledge hammer to assist in lining up the brace with the proper bolt position. Employee #1 used the sledgehammer and on the second blow fell approximately 11 ft 6 in. to the ground. Another employee stated that Employee #1 fell from the weight of the sledgehammer as he swung to hit the brace. Employee #1 sustained a serious back injury that required surgery. He was employed by MYWI Fabricators, Inc. MYWI had an active OSHA program and all employees were trained in fall protection.