Inspection Detail

Inspection: 126150994 - Southern California Edison Co.

Inspection Information - Office: Van Nuys District Office

Investigation Summary

On July 8, 2005, Employee #1, of Southern California Edison Company, was working to establish service for a private residence positioned from a riser on an electrical pole. Employee #1 was using a lineman's belt with a safety strap and lineman's gaffs to climb the pole. He climbed and reached the communication lines. Employee #1 stated that he disconnected his safety strap to move over the communication lines. For some reason, Employee #1 reported that he fell from the pole, approximately 20 to 25 ft. He was taken to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California, where he was hospitalized for treatment of nine broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a torn rotator cuff. It was determined that the company had implemented a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program and had provided lineman's training to Employee #1. Employee #1's training included 104 total hours of pole climbing, numerous hours of lineman training, and field experience. No accident related citations were issued to the employer because the lineman had disconnected his positioning equipment (i.e., the safety strap).

Keywords: LUNG, ELECTRICAL WORK, RIB, FALL, FALL PROTECTION, ARM, UTILITY POLE