Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1105204.015 - 128454 - Superior Walls Systems, Llc

Inspection Information - Office: Nc Department Of Labor - Winston-Salem

Investigation Summary

On November 3, 2015, Employee #1 and Coworkers #1, #2, and #3, employed by a wall systems company, were working in the area of a flatbed trailer loaded with precast concrete wall panels. Employee #1 was on the ground along the passenger side of the trailer and picking up small pieces of blue board insulation that had been used as spacers between the concrete wall panels. Coworker #1 was standing on the flatbed. Coworker #2 was operating a crane. Coworker #3 was at a second vehicle being loaded with concrete panels for transport to a residential construction site. Coworker #2 used the crane to lift a wall panel from the driver's side of the trailer and carry it over to the second vehicle. As Coworker #2 set the panel on the second vehicle, Coworker #1 heard a "thump" sound come from the passenger side of the trailer. He looked in that direction and saw a concrete panel on the ground, with one of the panel's corners elevated off the ground. Coworker #1 did not see Employee #1. Coworker #1 yelled for help from Coworkers #2 and #3. Coworker #1 discovered Employee #1 trapped under the panel. Coworker #1 began lifting a corner of the panel by hand. Coworkers #2 and #3 joined in, and together the three coworkers lifted the panel sufficiently for Employee #1 to crawl out. Emergency services were called. When they arrived, Employee #1 was talking but having difficulty breathing. Employee #1 lost consciousness, and the emergency personnel started CPR. They were unable to revive Employee #1, who died at the work site.

Keywords: CPR, Chest, Concrete Form Work, Concrete Panel, Construction, Construction vehicle, Crushed, Material Handling, Struck By, Wall