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FALL FROM ELEVATION
| Accident Type: |
Fall from Elevation |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Clear |
| Type of Operation: |
Pouring Concrete |
| Size of Work Crew: |
13 |
| Collective Bargaining |
Yes |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
Yes |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
Yes |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
Yes |
| Training and Education Provided: |
No* |
| Employee Job Title: |
Laborer |
| Age & Sex: |
65-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
21 Years |
| Time on Project: |
2 Months |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
A construction crew was preparing to pour concrete into forms. A laborer climbed up a ladder on one side of the forms and stepped over the form to stand on an unguarded scaffold on the opposite side. He was carrying two hand trowels and a brush to be used by other workers after the concrete was poured. He fell, striking his head on a concrete slab at ground level and sustained fatal injuries.
* Because the employee had previously worked for the employer on several different occasions and had been performing this type of work over the last 21 years the employer felt no training was necessary for this employee and none was provided.
INSPECTION RESULTS
OSHA cited the employer for a serious violation of its requirement to install standard guardrail and toeboards on all open sides and ends of platforms more than 10 feet above the ground or floor.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Train employees to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions associated with their work [29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2)].
- Install standard guardrail and toeboards on all open sides and ends of platforms more than 10 feet above the ground or floor [29 CFR 1926.451(a)(4)]
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 consultation services 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; 703/4874650; Order No. PB-239-312/AS): a set of 15 guidelines to help construction employers establish a training program 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 80018, 312/2974810.
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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