Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1239583.015 - Beckmann Concrete Forms, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Fairview Heights Area Office

Investigation Summary

At 6:00 a.m. on June 13, 2017, Employee #1 started work at a new residential construction site setting aluminum concrete forms. The job consisted of carrying 40 pound aluminum wall forms, setting the forms and checking the pins. The temperature for the afternoon was 91 degrees Fahrenheit with a heat index of approximately 95 degrees Fahrenheit. And, work was conducted in full sun. At approximately 11:30 to11:45 a.m., Employee #1 stopped for an approximate 45 to 60 minute lunch break, which he did not return to work on account of heat-related symptoms. Instead, Employee #1 was told to rest in the shade at the jobsite. During this time, Employee #1 exhibited unusual behavior and was eventually observed getting into another employee's truck. Approximately 10 minutes later, two employees went to the truck to get some water (around 1:00 to 1:15 p.m.), where Employee #1 was observed slouched over inside the truck. Employee #1 was unconscious and was driven to the local hospital by the owner. Employee #1 was admitted to the emergency room and died a short time later. Employee #1 suffered heat-related illness (heat stress, heat stroke) and died. The incident investigation reported that the truck windows were down, but this was not effective in cooling Employee #1's core body temperature, which was 107.5 degrees Fahrenheit upon arriving at the emergency room.

Keywords: Heat, Heat Stroke, Residential Construction, Unconsciousness