Inspection Detail

Inspection: 307029140 - Department Of Transportation (Cal-Trans)

Inspection Information - Office: San Diego District Office

Investigation Summary

On October 6, 2004, Employee #1, a Caltrans Inspector/Transportation Engineer, was overseeing a subcontractor performing work for the department. The subcontractor was placing filtering fabric around the storm drains along the roadway. As the subcontractor was in the process of removing a storm drain grate with a pry bar, Employee #1 decided to assist. He placed both hands on the grate as it was being pried open. The grate slipped off the pry bar, and Employee #1's thumbs on both hands were pinched between the concrete opening and the grate. He sustained a slight amputation of both thumb tips as a result. Employee #1's job duties did not involve assisting the subcontractor in performing this type of work. He was active in this accident, but he was supposed to be a bystander. Employee #1 is not a contract employee. Caltrans reported the accident the same day.

Keywords: HIGHWAY, AMPUTATED, GRATING, THUMB, HIGHWAY SHOULDER, PRY BAR