Inspection Detail

Inspection: 120304514 - Richwell Steel Co Inc

Inspection Information - Office: Long Beach District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 10:30 a.m. on January 20, 2000, Employee #1 was helping a machine operator to camber a 30 ft by 27 in. steel I-beam with 10-in. flanges. The beam was set on the cambering machine so as to achieve a desired camber in a progressive manner. One end of the beam was opposite-end extended beyond the right cambering support. While the beam was applied to the machine with a pressure of about 5,000 lb per sq in. Employee #1 took measurements of the arched surface (camber). Suddenly the left end of the beam disconnected, slipped off the cambering machine, and struck Employee #1's right leg. He sustained deep lacerations and was transported to Memorial Hospital of Gardena, where he was treated for three days. The accident occurred because the beam had not been properly set on the cambering machine. It should have been placed so that its ends extended beyond the cambering supports: this would have stabilized the set-up by ensuring that pressure was applied at the center of the beam. The accident occurred in the yard of the employer, who was engaged in the fabrication of steel structures and erection.

Keywords: STEEL BEAM, UNSECURED, WORK RULES, CONSTRUCTION, LACERATION, MECH MAT HANDLING, STRUCK BY, FALLING OBJECT, LEG, UNSTABLE POSITION