Inspection Detail

Inspection: 303190433 - Simmons Refrigeration Company

Inspection Information - Office: Saint Louis Area Office

Investigation Summary

Employee #1, an independent contractor, was repairing a freon leak in a 15 ft high refrigeration unit at a meat processing plant, while a coworker, also an independent contractor was working on the same leak. Employee #1 put his extension ladder up against the cooling unit and began to climb. The other contractor was extending his ladder against the rear wall to access the back of the unit when, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Employee #1 fall from top of his ladder. Employee #1 struck a table before landing on the concrete floor. He sustained abdominal injuries and was transported to the hospital, where he died the next day. At the time of the accident, the meat processing plant was empty except for Employee #1 and the other contractor.

Keywords: MAINTENANCE, ABDOMEN, EXTENSION LADDER, REPAIR, LADDER, STRUCK AGAINST, FALL, UNSTABLE POSITION