Inspection Detail

Inspection: 110508579 - Bureau Of Reclamation

Inspection Information - Office: Northwest Area Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 1:40 p.m. on February 15, 1996, Employee #1 was using plain water and a push broom to wash the deck of a 20 ft Boston Whaler, registration number NV63EX, from a trailer hitched to a Ford F-250 4 by 4 pickup truck. The highest point of the boat, at the bow, was 5 ft 3 in. The height from the pickup bumper and trailer tongue to the ground was 1 ft 11 in. Employee #1 apparently fell from the bumper, considering the location and position of the broom and of Employee #1 when he was found. No other employees were in the area at the time of the incident. He was discovered comatose with no discernible pulse or respiration; CPR was initiated and emergency services summoned. At the hospital, x-ray examination showed a displacement of the C1 vertebra on the C2 vertebra and the employee was put on respiratory and cardiovascular support. At 2:20 p.m. on February 18, 1996, Employee #1 died after he was taken off life support.

Keywords: UNCONSCIOUSNESS, CPR, CLEANING, FALL, PICKUP TRUCK, VERTEBRA, BOAT