Inspection Detail

Inspection: 314323924 - Ghilotti Bros. Inc.,

Inspection Information - Office: American Canyon District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, Employee #1 was working as a laborer for Ghilotti Bros., Inc. Ghilotti Brothers was a roadway construction company under contract to complete a roadway extension in Fairfield, CA. Employee #1 was moving 14-inch beams from the bottom of an incline to a location closer to the work area. The beams were connected to a hook on the bucket of an excavator by 0.375-inch inch wire rope. The beams were then dragged up the hill and placed on dunnage at the top. While in transit, the forward end of each beam was raised approximately five feet above grade, with the back end of the beam dragging on the ground. After the beams were lowered onto the dunnage, Employee #1 rolled them into position using a 4 in. by 4 in. piece of lumber. Employee #1 was rolling a 14-inch steel beam into position, when the beam slipped. Excess weight was transferred to the piece of lumber, which struck Employee #1 in the face, causing serious injuries. He sustained a concussion, several broken teeth, and fractures to the right side of his jaw in three places. He was transported to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, CA, for further treatment.

Keywords: FRACTURE, HIGHWAY, STEEL BEAM, CONSTRUCTION, MANUAL MAT HANDLING, STRUCK BY, CONCUSSION, FACE