Inspection Detail

Inspection: 125496612 - S. F. Dept. Of Public Works

Inspection Information - Office: San Francisco District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 1:45 p.m. on November 24, 1999, Employee #1, a senior stationary engineer for the City and County of San Francisco, Department of Public Work, was repairing a stuck wheel on a Genie personnel lift. With the help of a coworker, he was using a chain attached to a utility truck to pull the Genie lift from one building to another. The machine was tilted back, with the mast at an angle of 45 degrees. Employee #1 was inspecting the stuck wheel and asked his coworker to get him a crescent wrench from his truck. As the coworker turned back toward him, the lift collapsed on Employee #1's shoulder. He sustained injuries that required hospitalization. The coworker did not remember hearing any noises when the accident happened. They had used the lift four or five times before, but neither employee had received any training nor had they seen the lift's operating manual. Subsequent investigation also revealed that (1) the lift wheel locks were either broken and needed repair or were out of adjustment; (2) the left wheel bearing was missing, making the lift hard to roll; (3) the hinges were damaged and both sides were out, even before the accident; (4) the lift basket did not have a guardrail or other structure around its upper periphery, nor were chains or the equivalent provided. The employer was cited for a violation of T8CCR 3328(e): machinery and equipment shall be secured to minimize the hazards caused by falling.

Keywords: REPAIR, COLLAPSE, INADEQUATE MAINT, WORK RULES, CONSTRUCTION, STRUCK BY, ELEVATOR, UNTRAINED, MECH MALFUNCTION, OVERTURN