Inspection Detail

Inspection: 310983572 - Jrd Earthworks, Llc

Inspection Information - Office: Nc Department Of Labor - Charlotte

Investigation Summary

On June 18, 2007, Employee #1 was part of a crew finishing storm drainage repairs on a vacant lot with a grade of 7 to 1. A coworker was operating a Case 621D Wheel Loader with an attached fork, to lift and place a 6 in. to 8 in. thick, 4 ft square concrete lid, with attached steel manhole cover, atop a concrete storm drain junction box. Employee #1 and a coworker were in front of the loader helping guide the 1,100 lb lid onto the box. The vehicle had only moved forward about 3 ft when the lid started to swing mildly and the loader began to tilt to its right. The two workers at the front saw it starting to tilt and tried to push one another out of the way. The coworker was was pushed clear of the loader, but the calf of Employee #1's left leg became caught under the right fork's tine and his right foot became pinned under the frame of the fork attachment. Employee #1 sustained metatarsal fractures to his right foot and, according to the initial EMS report, an approximate 3/4 amputation of the back of his left leg, just above the ankle. Employee #1 was transported to the hospital, where doctors were able to save his leg. According to the Operator's Manual, the capacity of the loader was 7,128 lb, with fork attachments, when used on rough terrain.

Keywords: FRACTURE, LOAD SHIFT, CONSTRUCTION, LOADER, MECH MAT HANDLING, STRUCK BY, LEG, UNSTABLE LOAD, WHEEL LOADER