Inspection Detail

Inspection: 314025990 - Brb Contractors Inc

Inspection Information - Office: Wichita Area Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 9:00 a.m. on April 28, 2010, an employee and a coworker went to pick up a roll of polyethylene pipe from a pipe staging and storage area for their company's nearby underground natural gas pipeline installation outside. The pipe staging and storage area was located outdoors in a fenced and gated pasture. The employee got out of the truck and opened the gate so that the coworker could drive the truck into the staging area. The employee got into the skid steer, which was located about 150 feet from the stored, coiled piping. The pipe was delivered as packaged by the manufacturer, 4-in. diameter, 500-ft. length, bundles of 3 coils. The coils were stored vertically on the ground, and stand approximately 8 feet high. The individual coils weigh approximately 940 pounds each and were secured with plastic strapping. The three individual coils were then secured together in a bundle by 4 metal bands. The coworker saw the employee cutting the metal bands that held the 3 rolls of poly pipe together. When the employee cut the last of the four metal bands, one of the rolls tipped over and crushed him. The coworker lifted the coil of pipe up off the employee with the forks of the skid steer. The employee was pronounced dead at the scene.

Keywords: CHEST, CAUGHT BETWEEN, CRUSHED, PIPE, STRUCK BY, FALLING OBJECT