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Construction Injuries
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Fall from Tower: Fatal Fact #23
Construction Company Type: Painting Contractor
Accident Description:
Employees were sand blasting and painting a water tower. A worker was spray painting the inside of the riser of the tower. He was standing on a fixed ladder 40 feet above the riser floor without wearing any fall protection gear. Apparently he slipped and fell through an opening in the floor of the riser onto a standpipe.
OSHA Recommendations:
- Employees must be provided and required to wear fall protection equipment such as a safety belt and lanyard attached to a lifeline with rope grab (29 CFR 1926.28(a)).
- Employees must be instructed to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions associated with their work (29 CFR 1926.21 (b)(2)).
Inspection Results
Following its inspection, OSHA issued one serious citation for four violations and one other than serious citation listing three violations of its construction standards. Had the required fall protection been worn by the employee, his death could have been prevented.
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 Ladders as Found in Reports of OSHA Fatality/Catastrophe Investigations." available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Rd. Springfield, Va. 22161, (703) 4874650, publication no. PB 80-153-471, $11.50, pre-paid.
- OSHA-funded free consultation services. Consult your telephone directory for the number of your local OSHA area or regional 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 Tower |
|
| Company Type: | Painting Contractor |
| Crew Size: | 1 |
| Union/Collective Bargaining? | No |
| Weather: | Clear |
| Worksite Inspection? | Yes |
| Designated Competent Person on Site? | Yes |
| Employer Safety and Health Program? | Yes |
| Training and Education for Employees? | No |
| Craft of Deceased Worker(s): | Painter |
| Age / Sex of Deceased Worker(s): | 24; male |
| Experience or Time on Job: | 3 years |
| Time on Project: | 3 months |
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