ON 5/23/03, EE REPORTED THAT 2 DAYS PRIOR HE HAD PICKED UP A BEARING FROM THE BACK OF A BUCKET TRUCK & CARRIED IT TO BUCKET & LIFTED IT APPROX 15' ABOVE TO THE PULLEY SHAFT. HE PLACED BEARING ON BOOM OF BUCKET WHILE HE CLIMBED INSIDE. HE CLAIMS TO HAVE FELT A STRAIN IN LOWER ABDOMEN REGION. ON 6/5/03, DOCTOR CONFIRMED THAT EE HAD A HERNIA WHICH WILL REQUIRE SURGERY.