Inspection Detail

Inspection: 126114784 - Can - Am Construction

Inspection Information - Office: Los Angeles District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 2:30 p.m. on October 4, 2001, Employee #1 began installing a box on a pole in Gardena, CA. He checked the area around the pole, got a 28 ft fiberglass ladder from the company truck, and positioned it on the pole. Employee #1 then gathered his equipment, safety belt and hardhat, and climbed the ladder to a height of approximately 21 ft to 22 ft. He secured himself to the pole with his safety belt before starting to work. Employee #1 had completed the box installation and then decided to fix a strap on the cable. He had extended the right side of his body and was reaching out toward the cable with his right arm when he felt something strike his neck. Employee #1 reached back to see what it was and lost his balance, causing his right hand to contact the power line leading to the house. He suffered a shock for about 15 to 20 seconds, which burned away a large part of his thumb; the current stopped when it hit the bone in his thumb. Employee #1 fell back onto the cable line, but because his hand was on his safety belt he did not fall to the ground. He was able to climb down the ladder and ask the homeowner to call 911. Employee #1 was transported to the hospital, where he was admitted for treatment.

Keywords: BURN, OVERHEAD POWER LINE, STRUCK AGAINST, CONSTRUCTION, THUMB, ELEC UTILITY WORK, ELECTRIC SHOCK, LOST BALANCE, UTILITY POLE, UNSTABLE POSITION