Inspection Detail

Inspection: 313382715 - D & J Maintenance

Inspection Information - Office: Long Beach District Office

Investigation Summary

On August 12, 2010, Employee #1, of D & J Maintenance, was performing maintenance duties at the site of the secondary employer which was a commercial laundry. Employee #1 had been directed by supervisors of the secondary employer to clean dust from overhead ceiling mounted rails as part of a preparation to complete repair work. Employee #1 was directed to use an air pressure hose and to gain access to the ceiling by virtue of an elevating work platform. The elevating work platform was of the single-occupant type lift and was manufactured by Mark Industries (Model P19 DC "Pusharound", Serial Number 1830026). He had ascended in the lift to a height of about 20 to 25 ft, completed blowing down the rails with the air hose, and attempted to lower the lift. At about 15 to 20 ft above the working floor level, the lift became stuck and began to shake. Employee #1 stated that he called for help and no one heard him, and concurrently the lift fell to the ground. Employee #1 was transported to the hospital and treated for multiple fractures he sustained. On August 10, 2010, the lift was inspected by DOSH, and it was concluded that the unit did come equipped with outriggers. Although it was stated both on warning signs on the unit, as well as in the manufacturer's service manual, that the outriggers must be extended before raising the platform, Employee #1 stated that he was never trained or instructed in the safe use of elevating lifting platforms by either the primary or the secondary employer. In statements from secondary employer employees, they said that the outriggers were not used inside the plant, and that use of the outriggers was not a customary practice when using the lift. It was determined by DOSH that the employers were in violation of the following California Code of Regulations, Title 8 Safety Orders: SERIOUS ACCIDENT-RELATED VIOLATION: 8 CCR 3646 (b) Elevating work platform not used in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. GENERAL VIOLATIONS: 3203 (a) Injury and Illness Prevention Program. 3638 (d) Employees not furnished with training in proper use of elevating work platforms.

Keywords: REPAIR, WORK RULES, ELEVATED WORK PLAT, UNTRAINED