Inspection Detail

Inspection: 300833621 - American Waste Industries

Inspection Information - Office: Van Nuys District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 7:20 a.m. on March 15, 2006, a worker was employed at American Waste Industries, a building material recycling company. He performed the duties of a material sorter. At the time of the accident, the employee and his supervisor were inside the rotating tumbler, removing refuse that had became embedded in the tumbler screen. The supervisor advised the employee that they were finished and they could exit the tumbler. The supervisor left first. When the employee observed refuse embedded in the screen, he delayed his exit from the tumbler to remove the refuse. While the employee was removing the refuse, the supervisor started the tumbler with the employee still inside. The employee lost his footing and began tumbling, head over heals. The employee began screaming for help, and another coworker stopped the tumbler. After the tumbler stopped, the employee remained on the tumbler floor afraid to move, as his entire body was in pain. He was bleeding from numerous lacerations. Paramedics were called and removed the injured employee from the tumbler. The employee suffered strains and contusions. The employee was taken to Pacifica Hospital of the Valley, where he remained for five days. An investigation revealed that American Waste Industries did not have an effective lockout/tagout program for the tumbler.

Keywords: ROTATING PARTS, WORK RULES, CLEANING, LOCKOUT, LACERATION, ABRASION, CONTUSION, INATTENTION