Inspection Detail

Inspection: 313384018 - Preferred Personnel Of California Inc

Inspection Information - Office: Long Beach District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on March 22, 2011, Employee #1, with Preferred Personnel of California, was performing janitorial work at Pacific American Fish Company (a wholesale seafood processer and distributer). He was working with a mechanic to remove a steel grate from a storm water drain near the front entrance of the establishment. The grate was composed of two pieces that each weighed approximately 400 lbs. Employee #1 connected a steel chain with lifting hooks from the gate to the forks of a Daewoo industrial truck. The mechanic operated the industrial truck; he attempted to loosen the gate by rapidly lifting and lowering the truck's forks. When the chain began to slip, Employee #1 attempted to adjust the chain. His left thumb became caught between the chain and one of the forks. Employee #1 was hospitalized for an amputation of the thumb. Despite multiple attempts, Employee #1 did not consent to an interview regarding his incident. The investigation determined that the chains had not being properly secured.

Keywords: CHAIN, SEWER, AMPUTATED, UNSECURED, DRAIN PIPE, FINGER, THUMB, HOIST, INDUSTRIAL TRUCK, UNSTABLE LOAD