Inspection Detail

Inspection: 311868723 - Nmi Industrial Contractors

Inspection Information - Office: Sacramento District Office

Investigation Summary

On March 21, 2009, Employee #1 and a coworker were installing a carbon steel pipe, which measured 6 feet long and had a diameter of 6 inches. In addition, a 90 degree elbow, T-shaped attachment, flanges, and other parts were attached to the pipe. The pipe, with additional parts, weighed approximately 200 lbs. The pipe was being supported by a chainfall to keep it from falling, while Employee #1 and his coworker maneuvered the pipe. While Employee #1 and his coworker reached the point of installation, the pipe became wedged at an angle between other pipes and their attachments. This prevented Employee #1 and his coworker from moving the pipe into the correct position. Employee #1 asked the coworker to reposition the chainfall in hopes that that would allow them to move the pipe. As Employee #1 stood below the pipe on a protected catwalk, the coworker, who was located above Employee #1, repositioned the chainfall. The chainfall dropped, dislodging the pipe and causing it to fall, striking Employee #1 and knocking him over the safety railing. Employee #1 was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was hospitalized and treated for an unspecified fracture. The accident investigation determined that the coworker failed to secure the pipe through an alternate means before repositioning the chainfall, allowing the pipe to fall during adjustment.

Keywords: FRACTURE, SAFETY LATCH, GUARDRAIL, CONSTRUCTION, PIPE, PLUMBING, STRUCK BY, FALLING OBJECT