Inspection Detail

Inspection: 97313.015 - Dietz Vacuum Service, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Chicago South Area Office

Investigation Summary

At 12:15 p.m. on July 28, 2011, Employee #1 was working on the seventh floor roof of a building lowering 5 inch diameter vacuuming hose to Employee #2 on the truck below. The employee had lowered more than 90% of the hose when he lost control of the hose, becoming pinned between the hose and the parapet wall. The hose weighs approximately 240 pounds and was being lowered approximately 70 feet. Employee #1 was working alone when he became entangled between the rope and the hose. Employee #1 called out for help to Employee #2 and by the time Employee #2 reached Employee#1 he was pinned between the parapet wall and the hoses pressed tightly across his chest. Two people fought for several minutes to free Employee #1. Employee #1 did not remain conscious. He was rushed to the hospital were he later died from his injuries. The cause of death was compressional asphyxia.

Keywords: Asphyxiated, Crushed, Hose, Roof