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FALL FROM ELEVATION
| Accident Type: |
Fall from Elevation |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Clear |
| Type of Operation: |
Construction/Demolition |
| Size of Work Crew: |
3 |
| Collective Bargaining |
Yes |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
No |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
Inadequate |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
Inadequate* |
| Training and Education Provided: |
No |
| Employee Job Title: |
Laborer |
| Age & Sex: |
47-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
10 Years |
| Time on Project: |
45 Minutes |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
Three employees, under their supervisor's guidance, were demolishing a vehicular bridge 23 feet above a railroad track. The railroad was anxious to have the job completed as quickly as possible because soil erosion and disintegration of structural members had caused the bridge to shift.
At the time of the accident the central flooring had been removed and two workers were on the remaining wooden walkway when they felt the bridge move. The supervisor noticed the movement also and called to both men to get off the bridge. One worker ran to safety, but the other froze and fell with the bridge when it collapsed. He died 11 days later.
* No engineering survey was undertaken to determine safe methods for demolition [29 CFR 1926.850(a)].
INSPECTION RESULTS
Following its inspection OSHA cited the employer for one serious violation for failing to conduct an engineering survey of the structure before permitting employees to begin work.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
An engineering survey of structures determine their condition and the possibility of unplanned collapse to before permitting employees to start demolition operation should be obtained and a written record of the survey should be maintained [29 CFR 1926.850(a)].
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. l 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;-7031487-46Wl 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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