Inspection Detail

Inspection: 300890555 - Robison-Prezioso, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: San Francisco District Office

Investigation Summary

On January 4, 2002, a crew of painters was working underneath the upper deck of the San Francisco Bay Bridge near the Treasure Island exit. They were lowering a large rectangular platform (traveler) that was suspended by wire ropes from four air hoists, onto a tractor and trailer, which was parked directly below. Employee #1 was at the northeast corner, employee #2 was at the southeast corner, employee #3 was at the northwest corner, employee #4 was at the southwest corner, and employee #5 was near the center of the traveler. As they began to lower the traveler, it buckled in the middle. The traveler formed a V-shape configuration when it dropped onto the trailer, while still suspended at each of the 4 corners. Employee #1 had his right foot crushed, employee #2 had his back and ribs bruised, employee #3 was pinned between the upper floor beam and the air motor, employee #4 had a bruised wrist, and employee #5 had minor injuries. Emergency services were called. Employees #1 and #2 were hospitalized. Employee #3 died, and his body taken to the San Francisco Medical Examiner's office. Employee #4 was taken to a clinic. Employee # 5 did not require medical attention.

Keywords: WIRE ROPE, COLLAPSE, HOIST, BACK, STRUCK BY, TRACTOR, BRIDGE, TRAILER, PAINTER, FOOT