Inspection Detail

Inspection: 120120266 - City Of Long Beach Public Works

Inspection Information - Office: Long Beach District Office

Investigation Summary

Employee #1 and a coworker were pulling the cover off a pull box to inspect street light wiring in Long Beach. Prior to attempting to lift the box cover, Employee #1 had hit it with a rubber mallet to loosen it in case it was stuck. After hitting the cover, Employee #1 used channel locks to pull the cover off. As he lifted, he felt a sharp pain in his back. He was taken to Long Beach Memorial Hospital, where he was diagnosed as having a strangulated hernia. Employee #1 was trained in the proper lifting of box covers. Causal factors include the cover's sticking and Employee #1's health condition: he has diabetes. The employer had investigated the accident and is contemplating changing/designing a new tool to open the cover, which he thinks will help prevent this type of accident.

Keywords: BOX LID, STUCK, BACK, MANUAL MAT HANDLING