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Construction Injuries
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- Herniated Disc
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Fall from Scaffold: Fatal Fact #29
Construction Company Type: General Contractor
Accident Description:
A laborer was working on the third level of a tubular welded frame scaffold which was covered with ice and snow. Planking on the scaffold was inadequate, there was no guardrail and no access ladder for the various scaffold levels. The worker slipped and fell head first approximately 20 feet to the pavement below.
OSHA Recommendations:
- Standard guardrails and toeboards must be installed on scaffolds (29 CFR 1926.451(d)(10)).
- Ice and snow must be cleared from the scaffold to eliminate slippery conditions as soon as possible (29 CFR 1926.451(a)(17)).
- Access ladders - or the equivalent - must be provided to workers using the scaffold (29 CFR 1926.451(a)(13)).
Inspection Results
Following its inspection, OSHA cited the employer for four alleged serious violations of the agency's construction standards. Had proper protection been provided for the employee, he might not have fallen to his death.
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 Information 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).
Accident Details: Fall from Scaffold |
|
| Company Type: | General Contractor |
| Crew Size: | 3 |
| Union/Collective Bargaining? | Yes |
| Weather: | Cold |
| Worksite Inspection? | Yes |
| Designated Competent Person on Site? | Yes |
| Employer Safety and Health Program? | No |
| Training and Education for Employees? | No |
| Craft of Deceased Worker(s): | Laborer |
| Age / Sex of Deceased Worker(s): | 60; male |
| Experience or Time on Job: | 30 years |
| Time on Project: | 5 months |
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