ACCIDENT SUMMARY No. 29
| Accident Type: |
Fall from Scaffold |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Cold |
| Type of Operation: |
General Contractor |
| Size of Work Crew: |
3 |
| Collective Bargaining |
Yes |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
Yes |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
No |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
Yes |
| Training and Education Provided: |
No |
| Employee Job Title: |
Laborer |
| Age & Sex: |
60-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
30 Years |
| Time on Project: |
5 Months |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
A laborer was working on the third level of a tubular welded frame scaffold which was covered with ice and snow. Planking on the scaffold was inadequate, there was no guardrail and no access ladder for the various scaffold levels. The worker slipped and fell head first approximately 20 feet to the pavement below.
INSPECTION RESULTS
Following its inspection, OSHA cited the employer for four alleged serious violations of the agency's construction standards. Had proper protection been provided for the employee, he might not have fallen to his death.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Standard guardrails and toeboards must be installed on scaffolds (29 CFR 1926.451(d)(10)).
- Ice and snow must be cleared from the scaffold to eliminate slippery conditions as soon as possible (29 CFR 1926.451(a)(17)).
- Access ladders - or the equivalent - must be provided to workers using the scaffold (29 CFR 1926.451(a)(13)).
SOURCES OF HELP
- Construction Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 2207) which contains all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations (1926 and 1910) covering construction.
- "Occupational Fatalities Related to Scaffolds as Found in Reports of OSHA Fatality/Catastrophe Investigations," available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, Va. 22161. (703) 487-4650, publication no. PB 80-182-009, $11.50, pre-paid.
- OSHA-funded free consultation services. Consult your telephone directory for the number of your local OSHA area 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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