Inspection Detail

Inspection: 314823634 - California Department Of Transportation District 6

Inspection Information - Office: Van Nuys District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately, 10:00 am, on September 28, 2010, Employee #1 of California Department of Transportation fell off a highway bridge approximately twelve feet into a canal. He had his arm wrapped around a guard rail that failed after a nut on the end of a bolt popped off taking Employee #1 and two sections of guard rail down into canal. At the time of the accident Employee #1 refused medical treatment, and chose to stay at job site for the remainder of the day. At the time of the accident, Employee #1 was performing a regularly assigned task of assisting crew members with removal and replacement of two sections of W Beam type guard rail in the attempt to repair damaged section of guard rail caused by wayward vehicles. A crew of six employees including a supervisor was on assignment to remove and replace a section of W style guard rails lining the westbound lane on a highway bridge crossing an irrigation canal. A supporting post and guard rails were pushed back towards canal side from vehicular traffic. Employee #4 began removing nuts from bolts that held two overlapping rails to an upright iron post. Meanwhile Employee #2 was performing the same procedures two guardrails to the right of Employee #4. Employee #3 was prepping a crane-mounted truck to lift sections of loosened guard rails with a sling. Employee #1 neared the guard rails between Employee #4 and Employee #2 and began to loosen a singular nut on the end of a bolt that supported both rails. The bolt ran through both overlapping guard rails and through a metal post perpendicular to the rails. The metal post was bent outward away from the guard rails and leaning toward the canal running under the bridge. Employee #1 loosened the nut on the last remaining bolt while his left arm was wrapped around the rail. A pop was heard, and Employee #1 was observed falling down into the canal alongside both sections of rail. Employee #1 fell onto canal bank face down from an approximate height of ten feet. Employee #2 ran towards Employee #1 and picked him up. Employee #1 cleaned himself up with water and towels on site. Employee #1 refused medical treatment on day of accident. Employee #1 sought medical treatment on October 4, 2010 and was diagnosed with chest wall contusion, nasal fracture, left forearm abrasion, left knee abrasion, and back and shoulder strain. A follow up visit was made on October 11, 2010. On both occasions Employee #1 was given modified duty. Employee #1 passed away on October 18, 2010.

Keywords: KNEE, FRACTURE, SHOULDER, ABRASION, FALL, CONTUSION