Inspection Detail

Inspection: 312430572 - Mountain Cascade Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Van Nuys District Office

Investigation Summary

At 1:30 p.m. on January 6, 2009, Employee #1 was working for a general engineering contractor in the modification of water canals. Employee #1 was directed by his supervisor to assist him in getting a measurement near an open trench. The trench, which was dug for the installation of a 48-inch steel pipe to service a water recycling system, measured approximately 11 feet deep by 8 feet wide. Employee #1 walked around the open trench and stepped onto a concrete foundation that was about 12 inches high. He then stepped down from the concrete foundation and fell into the open trench. Employee #1's supervisor, who was standing approximately 10 feet westerly from Employee #1, contacted emergency service. Employee #1 was taken to Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, CA, where he was hospitalized and treated for several fractured ribs and sternum. The accident investigation was unable to determine if Employee experience vertigo or slipped, causing his fall; however, the violation of any safety standards was ruled out.

Keywords: CHEST, FRACTURE, REPAIR, TRENCH, RIB, FALL, PIPE