Inspection Detail

Inspection: 313379869 - Gino Luis Ross

Inspection Information - Office: Long Beach District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 7:15 a.m. on June 5, 2009, an employee and an employer were removing a commercial sign. The employer was standing approximately 6-feet above ground level on an A-frame metal scaffold containing wooden planks. An approximate 10-foot extension ladder was placed on top of the top wooden planks to gain greater height in order to remove the sign. As the employee was removing the fifth of the seven screws that was holding the sign in its position, the sign inadvertently fell causing the employee and the employer to fall approximately 15-feet and 6-feet respectively to the concrete floor. The employer and his employee were transported and admitted to Los Angeles County Hospital. The employer received surgery on both forearms and remained in the hospital for 5 days. The employee received a broken arm and spinal injuries and also received surgery in the hospital. The causal factor of the accident was the employer did not ensure that a scaffold of adequate height was provided so that a ladder is not placed on top of the scaffold to gain greater height in order for the work to be done safely. Employer Information:

Keywords: FRACTURE, COLLAPSE, SPINE, FOREARM, FALL, FALLING OBJECT, SCAFFOLD