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FALL FROM ELEVATION
| Accident Type: |
Fall From Elevation |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Clear/Cold |
| Type of Operation: |
Masonry Contractor |
| Size of Work Crew: |
7 |
| Collective Bargaining |
No |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
No |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
No |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
No |
| Training and Education Provided: |
No |
| Employee Job Title: |
Brick Mason |
| Age & Sex: |
37-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
Unknown |
| Time on Project: |
1 Month |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
An employee was constructing the third level of a tubular welded frame scaffold while standing on the second level. The scaffold was constructed on a poured concrete floor and had been leveled. Each section of the framework measured 6'5" high. The working surface was solidly planked.
When the employee tried to set the third level frame into the pins of the second level, the frame he was trying to position flipped to one side. The momentum of the frame thrust the employee backward off the second level. He fell to the ground, sustaining a fatal blow to his head.
INSPECTION RESULTS
Following its inspection, OSHA cited the employer for failure to provide specific employee training, failure to implement an effective safety program and failure to report the fatality within 48 hours.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Employers must establish specific site safety rules for erecting and dismantling scaffolding [29 CFR 1926.21(b)(1)].
- Employers must provide training to employees on the correct procedures to use in erecting and dismantling scaffolding [29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2)].
- Fatalities must be reported to the nearest OSHA office within 48 hours [29 CFR 1904.8].
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.
- OSHA-funded free onsite consultation services. Consult your telephone directory for the number of your local OSHA area or regional office for further assistance and advice (list under the U.S. Department of Labor 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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