Fall through surface or existing opening 11 to 15 feet · Fractures
At a glance
Federal OSHA recorded a severe workplace injury
at Agrex Inc., 11th ST Pier D, MOBILE, ALABAMA 36602
on — Fractures, affecting the pelvis.
Final narrative
Three employees were changing a fan motor on a platform. The employees removed the old motor and lowered it through an opening in the catwalk/platform that was approximately 4' x 4' using a chain hoist. They then hoisted up the new motor and were securing it into place. Employee 2 called employee 1 to look at the alignment of a series of pulleys to make sure it was correct. When Employee 1 stepped around the motor, they stepped into the opening in the platform. Employee 1 grabbed onto Employee 2 pulling him into the hole in the platform as well. Both employees fell approximately 12 feet to the platform below and employee 1 struck the old motor that had been removed. Both employees suffered broken bones, contusions, and abrasions. Employee 1 was
hospitalized for a broken pelvis.
An employee was checking an HVAC unit in the attic when they fell approximately 15 feet through the rafters to the floor. The employee sustained fractures to the ribs and scapula as well as a collapsed lung.
An employee was removing grating to change metal chip hoppers located in a pit. The employee lost his balance and fell approximately 12 feet from the grate, landing in the metal chip hopper. The employee sustained a sprained right foot, a left foot fracture, and a fractured L5 vertebra.
An employee was reviewing the next steps to take with the foreman when some material fell from above and landed near them. The injured employee then looked up, took a step on the catwalk, and fell through a gap, landing on the ground 15 feet below. The employee sustained three fractured vertebrae and a head laceration.
0n November 16, 2023, an employee was climbing onto a catwalk to cut valves for unit heaters in a building. The employee fell 14 feet through the attic onto the concrete floor, resulting in a fractured pelvis.
An employee was removing a rooftop curb when they fell approximately 15 feet through an opening in the roof, resulting in a fractured leg that required hospitalization.
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