Inspection Detail

Inspection: 300862984 - International Environmental Solutions Corporation

Inspection Information - Office: San Bernardino District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 8:00 a.m. on July 30, 2003, Employee #1, a general laborer for the International Environmental Solutions Corporation in Romoland, CA, was pressure washing a fiberglass tank on a 20 ft high metal catwalk when he was struck by lightning. He went limp and fell over the rail to the concrete floor. Employee #1 was in cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived. He was transported to Menifee Valley Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 8:58 a.m.. The catwalk had the required side rails and toe boards and the fixed access ladder had a cage or basket guard. Before the accident, a fast-moving thunderstorm was passing to the south of Romoland, moving from east to west. Lightning was visible to the southeast. Employee #1's foreman recognized the danger and ordered employees off the catwalk and an aerial lift. The preliminary coroner's report indicated that Employee #1's injuries were consistent with being struck by lightning.

Keywords: HEART, STORM, CLEANING, CONSTRUCTION, LIGHTNING, CARDIAC ARREST, CATWALK, FALL