Inspection Detail

Inspection: 312279649 - All State Roofing

Inspection Information - Office: Nv-E-Las Vegas 0953220

Investigation Summary

On July 11, 2008, Employee #1, a foreman for All State Roofing, worked his shift from 4:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at a roofing job in Las Vegas, Nevada. During his shift, he applied hot tar to a lower parapet roof. At the end of the day shift, he climbed down a ladder and walked 100 feet to 150 feet, where he collapsed on the east side of the street. Employees waiting for transportation in front of the job site saw him down the street and went to him. They found him conscious, but not lucid or able to speak when questioned. An employee called for an ambulance at 2:08 p.m., and at 2:14 p.m., Employee #1 was transported to University Medical Center (UMC), where he died. The Clark County Coroner's Office listed the cause of death as environmental heat stress. According to Old Farmer's Almanac notes, ambient temperatures at McCarran International Airport ranged from 82 degrees F to 109 degrees F on the day of the fatality. Five employees were interviewed about the availability of water, breaks, awareness training, and observations. As part of the heat stress program, water, breaks, and documented heat stress awareness training were provided by the employer. According to interviews and photographs (provided by the employer), there were three 5-gallon containers of ice water on the roof. Employees got ice and water from ABC Roofing Supply nearby. Employees reported taking breaks every one to two hours during the shift. Employees were familiar with the symptoms of heat stress, actions to take to prevent heat stroke, use of diuretics and their effects, and need for frequent breaks. The emergency action plan was also evaluated. Although a written program was not developed, employees were familiar with actions to take concerning emergencies and had communication devices to contact emergency responders. Documented emergency action awareness training was provided. The heat stress and emergency action programs were found compliant with Nevada OSHA requirements.

Keywords: CONSTRUCTION, HEAT STROKE, ROOFER, HEAT EXHAUSTION, HIGH TEMPERATURE