Inspection Detail

Inspection: 107631129 - Avondale Industries Inc., Steel Sales Div.

Inspection Information - Office: Baton Rouge Area Office

Investigation Summary

On December 2, 1994, Employee #1, a certified tack welder, was working on the shipyard grounds inside the USS Laramie, hull 16, unit 460, erecting scaffolding inside the ship's bulkhead. The scaffolding consisted of boards that rested upon brackets that were bolted to clips welded (tacked) to the bulkhead. After having completed the scaffold structure, Employee #1 walked out onto the boards. One of the newly completed welds holding a bracket clip failed, causing Employee #1 to fall approximately 18 feet. He was hospitalized with massive head trauma and died on December 10, 1994. On examination of the bracket, bolt, and clips, it was evident that a clip had not been properly welded to the bulkhead by a 100 percent weld. The reason for this is unknown. The tests on similar welds to clips showed them withstanding up to 15,000 lb. Employee #1 was wearing a safety belt, but he did not tie off, even though he was aware of the company policy to tie off when working 5 feet or more above ground.

Keywords: HEAD, SHIPYARD, WORK RULES, WELDER, BROKEN WELD, WELDING, FALL, CONCUSSION, TIE-OFF, SCAFFOLDING