Inspection Detail

Inspection: 125593525 - Cc Myers Inc

Inspection Information - Office: American Canyon District Office

Investigation Summary

On December 3, 2003, Employees #1, #2, #3, and #4 were working on replacement of the existing Maxwell Bridge over the Napa River in Napa, California. The falsework, which was being graded at the bridge under construction collapsed when bent Number 122 kicked out westward and the form work resting on bent Number 122 fell to the ground. Employees #1, #3, and #4 were positioned at the three jacks used to raise the bent, adding wooden shims as the jacks raised the lower beam. Employee #2 was operating the electro-hydraulic jacking pump. Without warning, while the beam was resting on the three jacks, it kicked out to the west, carrying the three jack-tenders with it. Employee #2 was hit at his work position, approximately 10 ft west of the bent. Employee #1 was at the north end jack. The lower plate and all the components it supported struck his abdominal area and landed on him. Employee #1 was crushed under the lower beam. Employee #3 was located at the middle jack, and Employee #4 was standing at the south end of the jack. Employees #3 and #4 were able to slide from under the beam due to the south end, which was coming to rest on the railroad track ballast, raised approximately 1.5 ft above the base grade at the location. Employee #3 sustained bruises in multiple locations from being hit by the beam and knocked to the ground. Employee #4 sustained a fractured ankle and knee and ligament damage to his leg and knee. Employee #2 sustained back injuries and was hospitalized. Both Employees #3 and #4 were treated at the emergency room and released.

Keywords: BEAM, FRACTURE, COLLAPSE, CONSTRUCTION, CRUSHED, FALL, BRIDGE, JACK, PUMP, CONTUSION