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FALL AND DROWNING
| Accident Type: |
Fall and Drowning |
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| Weather Conditions: |
Clear/Windy |
| Type of Operation: |
Construction |
| Size of Work Crew: |
17 |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
Yes |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
Written |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
Yes |
| Training and Education Provided: |
No |
| Employee Job Title: |
Laborer |
| Age & Sex: |
20-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
2 Years |
| Time on Project: |
4 Months |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
Employee was suspended to the worksite in a harness made of lightweight chain on the end of a crane load line. During the operation the load line separated from a revolving drum due to improper crane operation. The victim was dropped into approximately 40 feet of water and was drowned. The supervisor in charge at time of the accident was the designated competent person at the site.
INSPECTION RESULTS
As a result of its investigation, OSHA issued citations for violations of nine standards.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- The contractor should provide conventional means such as ladders, personnel hoists, aerial lifts, elevated work platforms or scaffolds for employees to reach the worksite [29 CFR ; 926.550(g)(2)].
- The contractor should perform a trail lift on the equipment to determine that all systems, controls and safety devices are functioning properly immediately prior to hoisting employee to worksite [29 CFR 1926.550(g)(5)].
- The contractor should not permit inadequately trained employees to operate equipment or machinery [29 CFR 1926.20(b)(4)].
- Contractor should provide appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety belts and lanyards for employees in operations where there is exposure to hazardous conditions [29 CFR 1926.28(a)].
- Employer should comply with manufacturer's specifications applicable to operation of cranes or derricks [29 CFR 1926.550(a)(1)].
SOURCES OF HELP
- OSHA General Industry Standards [CFR parts 1900-1910] and OSHA Construction Standards [CFR Part 1926] which together Include all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations covering construction.
- For information on OSHA-funded free consultation services call the nearest OSHA area office listed in telephone directories under U.S. Labor Department or under the state government section where states administer their own OSHA programs.
- OSHA Safety and Health Training Guidelines for Construction (Available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161; 703/487-4650; 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.
- Courses in construction safety are offered by the OSHA Training Institute, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018, 312/297-4810.
NOTE: The case here described was selected as being representative of fatalities caused by improper work practices. No special emphasis or priority is implied nor is the case necessarily a recent occurrence. The legal aspects of the incident have been resolved, and the case is now closed. |
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