Opinion ID: 2105341
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: October 2, 1989 (Scale Car)

Text: The trial court submitted two specifications of contributory negligence concerning the scale car incident: (1) failing to take reasonable lifting precautions for his own safety and (2) failing to request additional assistance if that assistance was necessary. Gustafson testified that he lifted the spring cup pad by himself. His teammate, Knippel, testified that they worked together. Knippel also testified that no additional assistance was requested. Although Knippel testified that Gustafson could not use his legs for lifting in the crouched position required by the work area, Gustafson testified that he did use his legs for lifting to the extent possible. Gustafson's testimony also stated that there was not room for two persons to work as a team in lifting the spring cup pad into place. Gustafson's foreman, Gary Sydzyik, testified that there was room for two people to get up inside of the wheel well and that two persons could make a complete lift of the spring cup pad inside the wheel well. Sydzyik testified that he expected Gustafson and Knippel to use teamwork to install the spring cup pad. Gustafson's testimony showed that he lifted the spring cup pad alone. In addition, the parties introduced photographs showing the work area involved. This disputed testimony supports Burlington's theory that Gustafson failed to take reasonable lifting precautions for his own safety and that he failed to request additional assistance. The trial judge properly submitted these issues to the jury. The weight of the evidence and the resolution of conflicts in the evidence devolved on the jury.