Inspection Detail

Inspection: 120370895 - Cnf Constructors, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Minnesota Department Of Labor And Industry

Investigation Summary

Employees #1, #2, and #3, construction riggers, were bolting the top half section of a tube-type, wind-driven, power generation tower at the interior base section platform, which is 60 ft from ground level. Four of the 36 bolts had been installed when an ice and snow formation was noticed around a circumference portion of the upper section, 30 ft above where the employees were working. Employee #3 went up a fixed ladder to remove the ice and snow. While he was chipping, a 1 ft by 1 ft by 3 ft chunk of ice and snow fell, striking Employee #2 on the head, knocking his hard hat off and injuring him. Employees #1 and #2 began descending the ladder, with Employee #2 going first. At the same time, Employee #3 was descending from the top section and nearing the mid-section landing platform. At this time, the remaining snow and ice broke loose from the upper section. As snow and ice cascaded past the platform area, Employee #3 was knocked onto the platform. The snow and ice then struck Employees #1 and #2, who were still descending the ladder to the tower's lower base section. Employee #2 was about 20 ft from the ground when he was struck again and thrown to the ground. Employee #1, who was farther up the ladder and was helping Employee #2, fell about 40 ft. He was killed when he struck his head on a ladder brace on the way down.

Keywords: HEAD, WORK RULES, LADDER, CONSTRUCTION, DESCENDING, FALL, STRUCK BY, FALLING OBJECT