Inspection Detail

Inspection: 311301402 - Olson Brothers Excavating

Inspection Information - Office: Dosh Tumwater Service Location, Tumwater, Wa

Investigation Summary

On August 20, 2007, Employee #1 was measuring the length of a trench at a construction site. The excavator operator had moved the excavator bucket slightly to one side so that Employee #1 could take the measurement. The trench was still a bit short, so the operator moved the excavator bucket back into position over the trench and told Employee #1 that he was going to take one more scoop of soil. The operator began lowering the bucket when Employee #1 unexpectedly stepped onto the bucket. The operator stated that the bucket was not more than 2 feet from the end of the trench. The operator let go of the controls to stop the machine, causing the bucket to jerk to a halt. Employee #1, whose boots were muddy, lost his footing and slipped. His head struck the excavator bucket as he fell into the trench between the front of the bucket and the end of the wall. Employee #1 was killed.

Keywords: EXCAVATION, HEAD, STRUCK AGAINST, CONSTRUCTION, TRENCH, EXCAVATOR, FALL, SLIPPERY SURFACE, LOST BALANCE, WORK SURFACE