scope:

Description of Driving Event:

Location: DFRC/B4800

Incident Report: A facilities maintenance shop worker, working alone, was disassembling and removing an 8' high mezzanine structure decked with 4'x8' sections of steel bar grating. The support structure consisted of a bolted-up system of uni-strut columns and beams. While kneeling on a section of partially disassembled and cantilevered grating, the worker removed one bolt too many. The remaining structure collapsed. The panel the worker was kneeling on rotated about the remaining beam and then slid backwards and collapsed onto the floor. The end of the grating severely scraped the worker across his chest and forearms. The worker also suffered multiple bruises.

Office workers across the hall from the collapse heard the accident and called for medical help. The medical team arrived on the scene quickly. Because of the nature of the fall and the position of the injured worker, the medical response team slowly and carefully loaded the worker onto a stretcher board. He was then transported to the hospital for examination and treatment of what turned out to be numerous painful but not life-threatening injuries. The injured worker did not return to work for several weeks.