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FALL THROUGH STAIRWELL
| Accident Type: |
Fall through Stairwell |
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| Weather Conditions: |
Clear |
| Type of Operation: |
General Contractor |
| Size of Work Crew: |
6 |
| Collective Bargaining |
No |
| 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: |
Carpenter |
| Age & Sex: |
31-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
2 Years |
| Time on Project: |
1 Week |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
Carpenters were setting trusses on the second floor of a house they were building. There was no guardrail or floor cover over the floor opening for the stairway. While placing a truss in position, one of the carpenters fell through the opening to the concrete basement below.
INSPECTION RESULTS
Following its inspection, OSHA issued citations alleging two serious and one other than serious violations. OSHA's construction standards include requirements for guarding floor openings which, if they had been followed, might have prevented this fatality.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Floor openings must be guarded standard railings or covers (29 CFR 1926.500(b)(1)).
- Employees must be instructed to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions associated with their work (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2)).
SOURCES OF HELP
- "Occupational Fatalities Related to Roofs, Ceilings, and Floors as Found in Reports of OSHA Fatality/Catastrophe Investigations," November 1979, available for $16 from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA 22161, order no. PB 80-161-136.
- Construction Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 2207) which contains all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations (1926 and 1910) covering construction.
- 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).
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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