Incident date: 2023-11-29
NAICS industry code: 238210

On November 29, 2023, a digger derrick truck pulled an existing utility pole vertically out of the ground. After maneuvering the pole around an obstruction, the base of the pole was lowered. The operator of the digger derrick then released the pole tongs on top of the pole to begin lowering the pole to the ground using the winch line. As the pole approached the position where the chain would be readjusted to a center balance position, the pole kicked out at the base, striking an employee's right leg. The employee was hospitalized with fractures to their tibia and fibula.

Hazard classification:
code_event: title: Struck by swinging part of powered vehicle
code_source: title: Truck-motorized freight hauling and utility, n.e.c
code_nature: title: Fractures
code_body: title: Lower leg(s)
severity: moderate