Inspection Detail

Inspection: 119541555 - Department Of Public Works/Utility Maintenace

Inspection Information - Office: Department Of Labor, Licensing, And Regulation Division Of Labor And Industry Maryland Occupational Safety And Health

Investigation Summary

On November 16, 1995, Employee #1 and a coworker were assigned to paint the interior walls of the City of Westminster's #14 sewage pumping station. The station had two levels, and Employee #1 and his coworker separated a Werner Electro-Master 24 ft fiberglass extension ladder into two sections to make it easier to move around. The section that had non-skid feet would be used for painting. The other section was placed against the opposite wall of the pumping station's lower level; it was the coworker's impression that this section was not to be used because it lacked non-skid feet. On November 17, the coworker took the non-skid section of ladder to paint the upper wall areas of the lower level. Employee #1 then set up the other 12 ft section against the wall, even though he was supposed to be painting the lower wall areas to the floor, for which both a 6 ft fiberglass stepladder and a two-rung wooden stepladder were available. He climbed the 12 ft ladder while carrying a bucket of paint and a brush. Employee #1 had reached the third rung from the top when the ladder's feet slid away on the smooth concrete floor, causing it to fall. Employee #1 fell approximately 10 ft and landed on the ladder as it struck the floor. He was flown to the Shock/Trauma Unit and treated for a broken right shoulder, a broken nose, two broken lower teeth, and well as for injuries to his left eye, which had been knocked out of its socket. Employee #1 also received numerous stitches to close lacerations on his face and right knee.

Keywords: EYE, FRACTURE, EXTENSION LADDER, SHOULDER, WORK RULES, SLIP, FALL, SLIPPERY SURFACE, FACE, WORK SURFACE