Inspection Detail

Inspection: 120319629 - Alfredo A Urquiza Dba Calypso Painting

Inspection Information - Office: Van Nuys District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 3:30 p.m. on May 13, 2004, Employee #1 and other coworkers were painting a house when Employee #1 fell approximately 10 ft from his ladder. His ladder was a Werner P/N 54417-01 and measured approximately 13.02 ft fully extended with three rungs overlapping. The height from the edge of the roof to the ground was measured at 12.4 ft. Employee #1 was painting the trim on the north side of the house. A coworker was in front of the garage and the other coworker was behind the house. Neither of the coworkers saw the accident. Employee #1 stated that he placed a ladder on the side of the house and was climbing up with a can of paint. He said the can was almost empty. The ladder was placed on a concrete surface and the top of the ladder was leaning against the roof gutter. Employee #1 placed a cloth material on the roof so the ladder would be more secure. Just as he got off the ladder, it fell to the right and he fell to the ground. Employee #1 did not secure the bottom of the ladder or tie off the top of the ladder. Employee #1 had to step off the second rung of the ladder with only one rung above the roof. The ladder was too short and he said he did not use a longer ladder because another employee was using it. Employee #1 received a concussion and injuries to his head and back. He was transported to a medical center. At the hospital, he received medical attention for three days. Later on, he was readmitted to the medical center, and hospitalized for additional 4 days. He received no broken bones or internal injures to organs in the fall.

Keywords: HEAD, UNSECURED, LADDER, BACK, FALL, FALL PROTECTION, CONCUSSION, PAINTER