Inspection Detail

Inspection: 112130059 - Robison Prezioso Inc

Inspection Information - Office: Long Beach District Office

Investigation Summary

On April 28, 1995, Employee #1, the operator of an aerial lift, was maneuvering around three new spherical fuel tanks at the Arco-Wilmington Refinery. He was driving between an elevated pipe rack, a shallow excavation, and one of the three tanks. It was a nice day with minimal wind. The ground was a dry clay-sand mix. No soil testing had been done to establish comprehensive strength, and the excavation was unsupported. The operator was not trained in ANSI standards, although the aerial lift manufacturer issues warnings about soft soil and soil support. No other employer personnel were present. The aerial lift went into the excavation and overturned; Employee #1 and the boom struck the elevated pipe rack. Employee #1 was saved by his shock-absorbing lanyard, but he sustained a concussion, fractured cheekbones, and temporary eye damage. He was rescued immediately by the Emergency Response Team, who took photos of the site. Soil collapse is the probable cause of the aerial left going into the shallow excavation. The site was paved before DOSH arrived but a soil sample was taken from the aerial lift wheel hubs. The employer was cited for failure to train and failure to maintain foundation soil in safe condition.

Keywords: EXCAVATION, FRACTURE, WORK RULES, CONSTRUCTION, SHORING, UNSTABLE SOIL, CONCUSSION, UNTRAINED, AERIAL LIFT, OVERTURN