Inspection Detail

Inspection: 300490380 - Robert Drywall Co

Inspection Information - Office: Fort Lauderdale Area Office

Investigation Summary

Employee #1 had been hired two days prior to the accident. On the day before the accident, he had been assigned to move insulation from the food court area to another location. The insulation was bundled and strapped, and the straps had cut into his hands. On the day of the accident, a laborer hired from a temporary agency was assigned by the foreman to help Employee #1 finish moving the insulation. They were working in a large indoor court with a high steel roof, dirt on the ground, and several concrete walkways. A corridor was separated from the main court by drywall and plastic sheets. An air current from an installed air conditioning could be felt along the corridor but not where the bales of insulation were located. Between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., the helper and Employee #1 started carrying insulation between the two of them. There was a cooler with Gatorade nearby, and both men drank from the cooler. Employee #1 was seen drinking at least four cups and had set one over some materials. While the helper was gone, Employee #1 stood up and started walking in circles, slightly bent over and making a grunting sound, appearing as if he were drunk. At 8:30 a.m., he collapsed and 911 was called. He died of heat stroke brought on by exertion.

Keywords: VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONER, CONSTRUCTION, HEAT STROKE, MANUAL MAT HANDLING, HEAT EXHAUSTION, HIGH TEMPERATURE