Inspection Detail

Inspection: 17419623 - Cape Romain Contractors

Inspection Information - Office: Columbia Area Office

Investigation Summary

Employees who normally performed concrete work were working on a spud barge that was spudded with two spuds on one side to pull dolphins/pilings out of the channel. The employees were using a crawler crane and a 7/8 in. sling to pull out the dolphins/pilings. When the crew attempted to pull out the third piling, the sling broke, causing the barge to rock in the water. Employee #1 and two coworkers who had rigged the piling were in a skiff that was next to the barge and that also began to rock. Employee #1 became frightened and jumped into the water. The tide was going out and the current pulled him under the barge. His body was found 1 1/2 miles downstream 2 days later. According to the coroner's report, Employee #1 drowned. He and his coworkers were not wearing life preservers.

Keywords: WORK RULES, CONSTRUCTION, DROWN, LIFE JACKET, WATER