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Inspection Detail
Inspection: 308572593 - Phil Vanswol D/B/A Mid America Tower Service, Inc.
Inspection Information - Office: Peoria Area Office
Site Address:
Phil Vanswol D/B/A Mid America Tower Service, Inc.
228 E. Main Street
Rochester, IL 62563
Mailing Address:
702 East Orchard, Mahmomet, IL 61853
Union Status: NonUnion
SIC:1791
NAICS: 238190/ Other Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors
Inspection Type: Referral
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Safety
Close Conference: 06/15/2006
Emphasis: L:Fall
Case Closed: 08/11/2006
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referral | 200273670 | Yes |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Current Violations | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Initial Penalty | $1,500 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,500 |
| Current Penalty | $1,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,000 |
| FTA Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| # | Citation ID | Citaton Type | Standard Cited | Issuance Date | Abatement Due Date | Current Penalty | Initial Penalty | FTA Penalty | Contest | Latest Event | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 01001 | Serious | 19260021 B02 | 07/17/2006 | 08/31/2006 | $1,000 | $1,500 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement |
Investigation Summary
On June 14, 2006, Employee #1 was part of a team installing three new antenna mounts to a self-supporting communications tower in Rochester, IL. The mounts were put into place using a pulley system attached to the tower and to two capstan hoists ("catheads") that were mounted to the backs of two pickup trucks. One cathead was used as a hoist; the other was used as a tagline to keep the mounts from hitting against the tower as they were being raised. The crew was hoisting the third and final mount when they discovered that the backing plates used to connect the mount to the tower were missing. The foreman instructed the crew to lower the mount so that they could connect the backing plates. They had started to lower the mount when Employee #1, who was operating the hoisting cathead, lost control of the load and tried to stop it by grabbing the hoisting rope after the cathead. He had wrapped the rope around his right hand and forearm when the load took him into the air almost to the height of the pulley attachment point. Employee #1 managed to get loose from the rope and fell approximately 60 ft, landing on his feet before collapsing on the ground. He was hospitalized with two shattered legs, and his lower left legf had to be surgically amputated. He also sustained two crushed vertebrae, a tear in his aorta, and rope burns on his right hand and forearm. This was only the second time Employee #1 had used a cathead.
Keywords: FRACTURE, AMPUTATED, COMMUNICATION TOWER, INSTALLING, ROPE, CONSTRUCTION, HOIST, FALL, UNTRAINED, LEG
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 308572593 | Hospitalized injury | Amputation | Construction laborers |