Inspection Detail

Inspection: 315340117 - Tri County Drilling

Inspection Information - Office: San Diego District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 9:30 a.m. on March 28, 2011, Employee #1 was operating a Drilltech T25KW Drilling Rig equipped with a hydraulic hoist. The hydraulic hoist was used to lift the 4.5 in. diameter by 20 ft long drill rod out of the storage rack. As the rod was lifted, it became caught and then released, rolling against another rod. Each drill rod weighed approximately 250 lbs. Employee #1 had his left hand resting on the rack between two drill rods. When the rod rolled, it struck the rods causing a pinch-point between them. His fingers were crushed. Employee #1 was transported to a medical center. At the medical center, he underwent surgical procedures that involved amputating the index fingertip, and the intermediate phalangeal joint of the middle finger, ring and small finger on his left hand. He was hospitalized after undergoing the procedures to receive post-operative care.

Keywords: AMPUTATED, FINGER, DRILL PIPE, CAUGHT BETWEEN, CRUSHED