Incident date: 2025-03-10
NAICS industry code: 311423

A crew was preparing a 20-foot section of 12-inch high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe to be swung into a welder using an excavator, where it would be welded onto a longer run of pipe. One employee was facing the longer pipe in the welder while the 20-foot section was being rigged. The 20-foot section moved and struck the employee's left knee. The employee's left leg was broken below the knee.

Hazard classification:
code_event: title: Struck by suspended or swinging objects  n.e.c.
code_source: title: Pipes and tubes  plastic, PVC, rubber
code_nature: title: Fractures
code_body: title: Lower leg(s)
severity: moderate