Inspection Detail

Inspection: 307167106 - Right Staff

Inspection Information - Office: Long Beach District Office

Investigation Summary

On November 16, 2005, at approximately 5:30 pm, Employee #1, a heavy equipment apprentice, with Johann Essen Steel Trading Company was in the northwest corner of the yard area assisting Employee #2 move loads of steel I-beams to another location in the yard. Employee #2 was using a Mi-Jack 250, AI rubber tired gantry crane Serial Number 1077. Employee #1 was still in training at the time he was working on the ground where he rigged the loads that the crane was to pick and kept the path of travel clear for the crane, which was being operated by Employee #2. After several loads of steel had been moved, Employee #1 noticed a piece of 4 in. square lumber measuring approximately 24 in. in length had fallen from one of the loads into the crane's path. In order to clear the crane's path, Employee #1 walked over to remove the piece of lumber, when the wheels ran up onto his left leg and left side of his lower back. Employee #1 stated that he expected Employee #2 to continue on the same path, but that he turned the crane towards him and the wheel knocked him to the ground. Other statements obtained during the inspection indicated that Employee #1 tripped on railroad track in the yard, falling into the crane's path of travel. Both Employee #1 and Employee #2 stated that they did not have visual contact at the time of the incident because the load being lifted by the crane was blocking their view. The night crew supervisor was Employee #1's direct supervisor and was in the warehouse at the time of the incident. Employee #1 suffered multiple unspecified fractures and was hospitalized.

Keywords: LOADING, WHEEL, FRACTURE, STEEL BEAM, STEEL, ROLL-OVER, EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, LUMBER, CRANE, LEG