Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1279234.015 - Daniels Construction

Inspection Information - Office: Miosha General Industry Safety & Health Division

Investigation Summary

At 12:15 p.m. on November 27, 2017, Employee #1 was tasked with replacing a sump pump in a single residential housing unit basement, located in an 18-inch diameter by 32-inch deep well located in the North East corner of the basement. The sump well had been enclosed using two by four inch framed lumber and sheet rock measuring 32 by 38 inches. An opening was located on the South side, 25 inches above the floor, with a 28.5 by 21.75-inch framed door for access. The sump well was six inches north of the interior of the wall. Employee #1 was reaching into the well to recover a piece of the float assembly from the bottom of the well when he became wedged between the edge of the sump well and the bottom of a four inch diameter PVC pipe. The pipe was projected partially over the well opening and had a 90 degree coupler transitioning the pipe from horizontal to vertical over the well. Employee #1 called for assistance and the home owner attempted to help extract from the position, but was unable to pull him out. Employee #1 died from possible positional asphyxiation.

Keywords: Asphyxiated, Caught In, Pipe, Pump, Stuck