Inspection Detail

Inspection: 305726473 - Phoenix Fabricators & Erectors, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Nc Department Of Labor - Raleigh

Investigation Summary

At approximately 10:50 a.m. on October 30, 2002, Employees #1 through #4 were constructing a 500,000-gallon water tower with a guyless derrick crane. While lifting the fourth section of the tank for cleaning prior to installation, the crane failed, causing two of the previously installed tank sections to partially collapse and another section to be suspended from the tower structure. Employee #1 fell approximately 85 ft onto the concrete foundation of one of the tower legs, sustained broken bones and a massive head injury, and was killed. Employee #2 fell approximately 85 to the ground, sustaining a head injury and broken bones, and died of his injuries 23 days later. Employee #3, who became pinned under a tank section, was hospitalized for shoulder injuries. Employee #4, who also became pinned under a tank section and suffered a sprain, freed himself and rendered aid to Employee #2. A coworker who remained on the tower during and after the collapse, indicated that fall protection harnesses were worn but they were not required to be tied off at all times.

Keywords: DERRICK, FRACTURE, WATER TOWER, COLLAPSE, FALL, FALL PROTECTION, SPRAIN, CRANE, WATER