Inspection Detail

Inspection: 112128335 - Mcdonnell Douglas

Inspection Information - Office: Long Beach District Office

Investigation Summary

On January 18, 1995, Employee #1, a painter working for McDonnell Douglas, and other painters were picking up their equipment for the day. Employee #1 went to the second level of a tail stand, a large, hydraulic structure that had several platforms from which the tail of the plane was painted, to collect equipment that he had left there. He stepped in a hole in the platform that had been created by sliding portions of the retractable decking back. He fell through to the floor, suffering a fractured right index finger and right humerus. During cleanup, this decking is routinely slid back so that large volumes of trash can be dropped into a portable bin at the ground. Apparently, the decking had not been slid back into its proper position following cleanup. While employees are working on these platforms, safety harnesses and lanyards are required; however, this requirement did not apply when employees are in transit. The second level was at least 110 inches above the concrete floor and could have been as much as 135 to 140 inches above the floor. No one else was on the platform or in the building at the time of his fall.

Keywords: FRACTURE, FINGER, WORK RULES, CLEANING, FALL, FALL PROTECTION, ARM, ELEVATED WORK PLAT, PAINTER, TIE-OFF