Inspection Detail

Inspection: 112010111 - Imperial Irrigation District

Inspection Information - Office: San Diego District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on June 18, 1992, a temporary power pole was being removed from the ground by a truck crane. After the pole had cleared the surface and the pole clamp was released, the top-heavy pole pivoted upward. Employee #1, a lineman foreman, was carried 22 1/2 ft up into the air. When the top of the pole struck the ground, Employee #1 was thrown another 4 to 5 ft higher and then fell to the curb area of the street. He sustained fractures of both his lower legs and his left wrist, and a concussion that tore the front lining of his brain. One of the crew workers used the truck radio to contact the dispatcher, who called 911. Medical assistance arrived and Employee #1 was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital. He was later flown by Life Flight helicopter to a major facility in the county.

Keywords: FRACTURE, CAUGHT BY, FALL, CONCUSSION, UTILITY POLE, BRAIN, LEG, WRIST