Inspection: 125673095 - Pacific Bell Inspection Information - Office: Ca Redding Nr: 125673095Report ID:0950623Open Date: 10/28/1997 Pacific Bell 18385 Basler Road Cottonwood, CA 96022 Union Status: Union SIC: 4812/Radiotelephone Communications Mailing: 1080 E. Cypress, Redding, CA 96001 Inspection Type:Accident Scope:PartialAdvanced Notice:N Ownership:Private Safety/Health:SafetyClose Conference:11/07/1997
Close Case:11/07/1997 Related Activity:TypeIDSafetyHealth Accident361676786
Accident Investigation Summary Summary Nr: 170361901Event: 09/08/1997Fall - Pole Climber Cutout A telephone company employee with 17 years of experience climbing poles was installing a second phone line at a worksite. He was wearing pole climbers, heavy boots, a body belt with positioning strap, and leather gloves. He started climbing a hardwood utility pole. When he got about 6.1 meters up the pole, he stopped to see how far he had to go. When he shifted his weight to his left foot and started up again, his gaff cut out. He slid down the pole all the way to the ground, holding on with his hands and forearms. The employee suffered a compression fracture of the L1 vertebrae and a stress fracture of the bone above the ankle on his right leg. He was hospitalized for his injuries. Keywords:fall, utility pole, cutout--gaff, fall protection, fracture, vertebra, leg, telecom work, communication worker