Inspection Detail

Inspection: 119782340 - Amvac Chemicals Corp

Inspection Information - Office: Long Beach District Office

Investigation Summary

On May 8, 1996, Employee #1, of Amvac Chemical Corporation in Los Angeles, CA, was installing 1/2 in. pneumatic line tubing for a level meter. After completing the ground work, he climbed a 12 ft fixed ladder to access a pipe rack platform. The pipe rack contained pipes and tubes that led throughout the plant. While on the platform Employee #1 slipped and fell 15 ft, and landing on the concrete floor. He fractured his right arm and wrist, and sustained facial contusions. Employee #1 was an experienced worker and had been on the job since July of 1995. He had climbed the pipe rack platform without a body harness, belt, and lanyard, which were available in the maintenance shop. The employer had trained him in the required use of safety belts, harnesses, and lanyards, and had a well-defined safety program that was specific to each job assignment and included sanctions for those who failed to comply. The causal factors in this accident were Employee #1's failure to use fall protection or an extension ladder. No violations of T8CCR standards were noted.

Keywords: FRACTURE, WORK RULES, SAFETY BELT, SLIP, LANYARD, FALL, FALL PROTECTION, ARM, ELEVATED WORK PLAT, CONTUSION