Two workers recovering after being injured by pipe

Thu, Sep 4, 2008 (midnight)

An accident at a construction site on Sunset Road that left two workers with potentially life-threatening injuries Aug. 26 was the result of a plastic sewer pipe unexpectedly rolling into a ditch.

Sewer pipe was being installed in a trench on Sunset Road near Boulder Highway by Capriati Construction Corp., when the pipe rolled and hurt the two workers, Capriati safety officer Doug Goss said.

Henderson Fire Department officials said two men were at the bottom of a 10-foot-deep, 6-foot-wide trench when they arrived around 11 p.m. Deputy Fire Chief Steve Goble said the sewer pipe was 36 inches in diameter.

Once officials determined the trench was stable, Battalion Chief Matthew Morris said a rescue effort took about 12 minutes.

"It takes time to establish a safe zone and develop an action plan," he said. "The Clark County Fire Department and Henderson Fire Department worked well together and were able to bring the situation to a safe conclusion."

Both Capriati and fire department officials said they could not release the names of the two workers. One was taken by ambulance to Sunrise Hospital, and the other was transported to University Medical Center via helicopter.

Goss said that both men were doing well, and as of Sept. 2 one had been cleared for light duty. He said the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating.

Dave Clark is a reporter for the Home News. He can be reached at 990-2677 or dave.clark@hbcpub.com.