UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Inspection Detail

Inspection: 300782489 - Rsy Construction Inc

Inspection Information - Office: Ca Pico Rivera

Investigation Summary

On July 25, 2003, Employees #1 through #3, of RSY Construction Incorporated, were framing the rooftop with wooden beams and joists. Employees #1 and #2 were standing on a beam that was 3.5-inches wide and 24-feet long. They were fastening joists with nail guns when Employee #3 got up to the top to collect lunch money from them. It was suspected that the beam had not yet been fastened and secured at one end. Suddenly, the beam became disengaged from the adjacent joist and fell to the concrete landing. All three employees fell approximately 20 feet to the concrete floor. Employees #2 and #3 sustained minor cuts and bruises and were transported to County USC Medical Center. Employee #1 sustained a concussion and was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital. All three employees were hospitalized for their injuries. The investigation revealed that the accident occurred due to the lack of personal fall protection while the employees were standing on the wooden beam. The employer did not provide nor request the use of personal fall protection when the employees were required to perform work at elevated location.

Keywords:beam, joist, roof, unsecured, work rules, construction, fall, fall protection, concussion, contusion