Inspection Detail

Inspection: 100734128 - Clifford M. Willeford

Inspection Information - Office: Dallas Area Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on June 2, 1987, Employee #1, of Gladewater, TX, and a coworker were dismantling an abandoned derrick approximately 75 feet above the derrick platform. While standing on an unanchored board spanning the horizontal girts, Employee #1 attempted to throw a 21-foot leg section to the ground. He lost control of the leg section as it became top heavy and began leaning away from the derrick. The bottom of the leg section came up under the board overhang, flipping the board up and propelling Employee #1 into the air. He fell to the derrick platform and was killed. Employee #1 was self-employed and performed a wide variety of odd jobs.

Keywords: DERRICK, DISMANTLING, UNSECURED, WORK RULES, FALL, FALL PROTECTION, OIL WELL SERVICING, UNSTABLE POSITION