Fall from Roof: Fatal Fact #21

1. Crawling boards/chicken ladders must be constructed so as to meet the minimum design specifications set forth for such equipment (29 CFR 1926.451(v)(1)).
2. A firmly fastened lifeline of at least V4 inch rope or equivalent must be strung beside each crawling board or chicken ladder for a handhold (29 CFR 1926.451(v)(2)).
3. Crawling boards/chicken ladders must be effectively secured to the roof (29 CFR 1926.451(v)(3)).
4. A safety program must be established to prevent accidents. It must include frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials, and equipment by a competent person (29 CFR 1926.20(b)(1) and (b)(2))

Inspection Results

As a result of its investigation, OSHA issued a citation alleging one serious violation and two other than serious violations.

OSHA's construction 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 all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations (1926 and 1910) covering construction.
• "Occupational Fatalities Related to Scaffolds as Found in Reports of OSHA Fatality/Catastrophe Investigations," available from the National Technical in-formation Service, 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, Va. 22161, (703) 487-4650, publication no. PB 80-182-009, $11.50, pre-paid.
• OSHA-funded free consultation services. Consult your telephone directory for the number of your local OSHA area office for further assistance and advice (listed under U.S. Labor Department or under the state government section where states administer their own OSHA programs)