Incident date: 2023-02-27
NAICS industry code: 541370

Employee 1 was setting up his survey instrument at the edge of a concrete apron surrounding an 11-foot-deep concrete utility vault with a 9x9 steel access cover/lid. Employee 2, then walked behind employee 1, stepping onto the steel vault access cover/lid. The cover gave way, causing employee 2 and the steel vault cover to fall into the vault approximately 11 feet below. Employee 1 fell 8 feet, striking an existing pipeline valve located within the vault. Employee 2 was hospitalized for fractures to the ribs on the left side. Employee 1 did not require hospitalization.

Hazard classification:
code_event: title: Fall through surface or existing opening 11 to 15 feet
code_source: title: Confined spaces, n.e.c.
code_nature: title: Fractures
code_body: title: Chest, except internal location of diseases or disorders
severity: moderate