Inspection Detail

Inspection: 307452854 - Heavy Lift Helicopters

Inspection Information - Office: San Bernardino District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 12:00 p.m. on April 18, 2004, an employee was working as the Ground Control Supervisor for Heavy Lift Helicopters. The employer's fleet of helicopters provided fire fighting service, on a contractual basis, to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service. In addition, the employer provided heavy lifting capabilities to a variety of industrial customers. The employee was on the rooftop of the existing warehouse providing guidance to a helicopter pilot in the process of conducting aerial placement of an air conditioning unit on an existing cement pad. The guidance was in the form of visual hand signals and radio communication between the helicopter pilot and the employee. The employee did not come in contact with the helicopter load during movement. Prior to the accident, the employee was given a safety briefing about precautions to take during the aerial lift. Briefing was given to personnel who would be situated outside the planned 50 feet perimeter of the planned aerial lift. Safety precautions around the existing skylights were discussed during the safety briefings. The employee fell, buttock first, 40 feet through the skylight. The employee sustained "bilateral calcaneal and ankle fracture dislocation." He was transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center where he was admitted and surgery was performed. The employee was hospitalized for two days. Subsequent to discharge from the hospital, the employee returned at a later time for more surgery.

Keywords: SKYLIGHT, FRACTURE, FALL, ROOF OPENING, WORK SURFACE, ANKLE, FOOT