Fall from Elevation: Fatal Fact #16

1. Employers must require the wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment (safety belts) wherever employees are exposed to hazardous conditions. (29 CFR 1926.28(a).)
2. The derrick or erection floor must be solidly planked or decked over its entire surface except for access openings. Planking, or decking of equivalent strength, must be thick enough to carry the working load. Planking must not be less than 2 inches thick full size undressed and should be laid tight and secured to prevent movement. (29 CFR 1926.750(b)(1)(i).)
3. A safety railing of ½ inch wire rope or of equal strength must be installed approximately 42 inches high around the periphery of all temporary-planked or temporary metal-decked floors of tier buildings and other multi-floored structures during structural steel assembly. (29 CFR 1926.750(b)(l )(iii).)

Inspection Results

As a result of its investigation, OSHA issued a citation alleging one serious violation.

OSHA's construction safety standards include several requirements which, if they had been followed here, might have prevented this fatality.

Sources of Help

• Construction Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 2207) which contains OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations (1926 and 1910) covering construction.
• OSHA Safety and Health Training guidelines for Construction (available from the National Technical Information Service Order No. PB-239-309/SET) designed to help construction employers establish a training program in the safe use of equipment, tools, and machinery on the job.
• OSHA - funded free onsite consultation services. Consult your telephone directory for the number of your local OSHA area or regional office for further assistance and advice (listed under the U.S. Labor Department or under the state government section where states administer their own OSH programs).
• Courses in construction safety are offered by the OSHA Training Institute, 1555 Times Dr., Des Plaines, Ill. 60018 ((312) 297-4810).