Fall from Roof: Fatal Fact #54

1. Provide standard railing for temporary floor opening [29 CFR 1926.500(b)(7)].
2. Provide employees engaged in built-up rooting work on low-pitched roofs with a safety monitoring system on roofs of fifty feet or less in width where mechanical equipment is not being used [29 CFR 1926.500(g)(1)(iii)].
3. Erect warning lines around all sides of the work area during the performance of built-up roofing work on low-pitched roofs where the ground to cave height Is greater than 16 feet [29 CFR 1926.500(g)(3)(i)].
4. Assure that employees engaged in built-up roofing work have been trained and instructed in the nature of fall hazards in the work area near a roof edge; the function, use and operation of the MSS system, warning line, and safety monitoring systems to be used;. the correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling the systems to be used; the role of each employee in the safety monitoring system when this system is used; the limitations on the use of mechanical equipment; and the correct procedures for the handling and storage of equipment and materials [29 CFR 1926.500(g)(6) (ii)(a) through (f)].
5. Erect an MSS system along all unprotected roof sides and edges [29 CFR 1926.500 (g)(5)].

Inspection Results

Inspection of the accident site revealed that there was neither a safety monitoring system/warning lines nor a motion-stopping-safety (MSS) system in use during the installation on the roof of the building. Also, there were two unguarded duct openings on the roof.

Sources of Help

• OSHA General Industry Standards [29 CFR parts 1900-1910] and OSHA Construction Standards [29 CFR Part 1926] which together include all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations covering construction.
• OSHA Safety and Health Training Guidelines for Construction (Available from the National Technical Information Service, 5265 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161; 703/467-4650; Order No. PB-239-312/AS): a set of 15 guidelines to help construction employers establish a training program in the safe use of equipment, tools, and machinery on the job.