Inspection Detail

Inspection: 307164640 - George & Goldberg Design Associates

Inspection Information - Office: Long Beach District Office

Investigation Summary

On April 15, 2005, Employee #1, a temporary employee, was on his first day on the job with an employer that fabricates stage and set props for the entertainment industry. The metal frame wall was constructed of light-gauge tubular steel and measured 12-ft by 16-ft by 10-in. wide. Employee #1 was assisting two other employees and another temporary employee to "walk up" the wall to an upright position so that work could be accomplished on the wall. The end opposite from the end being lifted was held in place by two employees who were also on their first day at the site from the same temporary agency. The employees were holding the frame wall in place with their feet. After the work on the wall had been completed the wall was then walked down to lay it flat. During the lowering process, the wall began to slip slightly and according to witness statements the two new employees holding the opposite end in place with their feet panicked and ran away from the frame wall. The frame wall then slipped out and fell. The two regular employees and one temporary employee were able to get clear of the falling wall, but Employee #1 slipped while escaping and was caught under the falling frame. Employee #1 sustained fractures to the left leg and ankle. Employee #1 was hospitalized.

Keywords: FRACTURE, SLIP, CAUGHT BY, STRUCK BY, FALLING OBJECT, ANKLE, LEG