Inspection Detail

Inspection: 302750682 - Midwest Tower Service, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Ky Labor Cabinet Division Of Osh Compliance

Investigation Summary

On December 22, 2000, Employee #1 and #2 were engaged in an installation of an additional section of a communication tower. Employee #2 used a single shackle and rope to attach the block holding gin pole to the climbing face, rather than fasten the block holding gin pole to the legs and the climbing face of the tower with other more securing measures. After erecting the gin pole along the side of the tower, it was used to guide and transfer the assembled section up the tower. As Employee #1 removed the brackets supporting the bottom of the gin pole and bridles from the middle of the gin pole, so that to connect the assembled section, the entire unit was held by the single wire rope and shackle attached to the rung of the climbing face. The weight of the unit was approximately 1600 pounds and broke the rung, severing it. It fell approximately 40 feet striking Employee #1 and lodged against the star mount. Employee #1 suffered multiple injuries and died before he could be removed from the tower.

Keywords: INSTALLING, UNSECURED, CRUSHED, STRUCK BY, FALLING OBJECT, TOWER