Inspection Detail

Inspection: 307393389 - Tutor Saliba Corp

Inspection Information - Office: San Francisco District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 2:30 p.m. on August 8, 2005, Employee #1 and a coworker were working out of a self-propelled telescopic aerial device (Number E01291), in San Francisco. Employee #1 and a coworker were dry packing and sanding under the I-80 approach, inside of the soffit. The boom was extended approximately 56 ft from the center of the pin. The basket was elevated approximately 27 ft above the ground. Both employees had harnesses and lanyards and they were tied to the basket. The equipment malfunctioned, and the hydraulic pressure valve failed. The boom and basket free fell to the ground with both employees inside the basket. Employee #1 suffered broken ribs and was taken by paramedics to San Francisco General Hospital. His coworker had a minor injury and was taken to an industrial clinic for medical evaluation. An investigation revealed that the hydraulic valve failed catastrophically and without warning. The employer periodically inspected and maintained the aerial device.

Keywords: FRACTURE, HIGHWAY, MAINTENANCE, EQUIPMENT FAILURE, RIB, VALVE, FALL, FALLING OBJECT, AERIAL LIFT