Inspection Detail

Inspection: 126159466 - La City Water & Power

Inspection Information - Office: Los Angeles District Office

Investigation Summary

"On February 8, 2010, Employee #1 had gotten out of an electric scooter, used due to disabilities, to go to the restroom. As Employee #1 was coming back to the scooter, a janitorial person had moved a moveable counter to the side of an entrance turnstile to bring in some equipment. As Employee #1 walked past the counter, she attempted to pull it back in place. In doing so, she pulled the counter over onto her left foot. Due to the size (14 inches by 48 inches by 6 feet long) and weight, it caused compound fractures of her toes. Because Employee #1 was diabetic, the injuries required that all her toes and part of that foot be subsequently amputated. Employee #1 was employed by L.A. City Water and Power, the water and power provider to the city of Los Angeles, in the main offices. At the entrances of the building, security turnstiles had been installed with security officers at a nearby desk. To prevent people from walking around the turnstile a moveable counter was installed between the gates and the wall. It was moveable so that material and equipment could be transported around the turnstile. On January 7, 2010, the hazard of the top-heavy counter was identified by one of the security guards stationed at the location. Photos of the hazard were taken and he filled out an appropriate safety near miss form with his management, but they failed to respond appropriately. The department safety manager reported the incident to the Los Angeles office of Cal/OSHA."

Keywords: FRACTURE, AMPUTATED, TOE, FOOT