Inspection Detail

Inspection: 112174826 - La City Water & Power - Training Center

Inspection Information - Office: Van Nuys District Office

Investigation Summary

A power line worker was participating in a regular training session involving the climbing of wood poles in a training area. The ground around the poles was covered with wood chips. The employee had completed the required walking and stretching exercise before ascending the pole. He was wearing a body belt, but he was free climbing during ascent and descent. According to the employer, the employee was probably on his second climb of a 10.7-meter-tall pole and was starting his descent when his right gaff cut out. The employee pitched 90 degrees to the left and fell about 7.6 meters to the ground, landing in a face-first prone position in the wood chips. He was hospitalized for 5 days with a fractured right wrist, a concussion, and memory loss. The employee was an experienced climber and had completed 2.5 years as an apprentice. He had had formal training sessions and daily field work.

Keywords: FRACTURE, ELEC UTILITY WORK, FALL, FALL PROTECTION, CONCUSSION, UTILITY POLE, CUTOUT--GAFF, WRIST