Inspection Detail

Inspection: 125858704 - Teichert Construction

Inspection Information - Office: Sacramento District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 2:00 p.m. on April 28, 1999, Employee #1, a laborer for Teichert Construction, was part of a mobile crew placing K-rail protective barriers along a highway in Sacramento, CA. Using a heavy sling and pinning system, a large excavator was lifting the K-rails from flatbed trucks and laying them along the highway. At the time of the accident, one end of a sling and pin had been placed in a K-rail, and Employee #1 was attempting to insert the heavy pin through a hole in the other end. The excavator operator decided to raise the bucket and sling to lift the pin and assist Employee #1, but instead he raised the opposite end of the K-rail, which was resting on 4 by 4 boards. The K-rail swung around and knocked Employee #1 backward to the ground, pinning his foot against the truck bed. The operator then lowered the K-rail, releasing Employee #1's foot. He sustained an amputated right little toe and an injured knee.

Keywords: KNEE, AMPUTATED, PINNED, CONSTRUCTION, EXCAVATOR, FALL, MECH MAT HANDLING, OFF LOADING, STRUCK BY, TOE