Inspection Detail

Inspection: 314862707 - International Line Builders Inc

Inspection Information - Office: Los Angeles District Office

Investigation Summary

At 1:00 p.m. on July 18, 2012, Employee #1, of International Line Builders, Inc., was working at an excavation site at Loyola Marymount University, part of a project to rebuild the hot water line. The employer, a subcontractor, was hired to dig up new line on the road. The new line was 3 feet wide by 2 feet deep. Coworker #1, while operating excavator equipment, hit an unmarked underground hot water line. The hot water line burst open, and hot water began to fill the excavation. According to Employee #1, he was instructed by coworker #2, his foreman, to open the manhole beside the 6 foot to 8 foot deep excavation. Employee #1 used a hook to pry up the manhole cover. The hook dislodged from the cover, causing Employee #1 to lose balance. Employee #1 stepped backwards and fell into the trench. At that point the excavation was about half full of hot water. While falling, Employee #1 was able to catch himself and push himself out of the trench, but not before experiencing serious burns to both legs, stomach, and hands from hot water splashes. Employee #1 took off his clothes and work boots, and he was hosed down with cold water. He was taken by paramedics to Marino Hospital and then transferred to West Hills Burn Center. According to coworker #2, the foreman, the excavation at the time of accident was 2 feet wide by 4 feet long by 30 inches deep. Field investigation verified these measurements.

Keywords: BURN, EXCAVATION, CONSTRUCTION, UNDRGRD INSTALLATION, FALL, WATER PIPE, LOST BALANCE, HAND, STOMACH, LEG