ACCIDENT SUMMARY No. 66
| Accident Type: |
Fall |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Clear/Cold |
| Type of Operation: |
Bridge Construction |
| Size of Work Crew: |
3 |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
No |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
No |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
No |
| Training and Education Provided: |
Yes |
| Employee Job Title: |
Carpenter |
| Age & Sex: |
57-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
30 Years |
| Time on Project: |
3 Hours |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
An employee had placed metal bridge decking onto the stringers of the bridge deck to be welded. When the first decking was placed down on the stringers, the employee apparently stepped onto the decking that he had just placed down in order to put down the next decking. The decking the employee stepped onto was not secured in place, resulting in the employee falling approximately 80 feet into the river. Safety nets were being used under another section of the bridge but had not been moved forward as the crew moved to another area.
INSPECTION RESULTS
As a result of its investigation, OSHA issued a serious citation for the alleged violations of 29 CFR 1926.105(a) and 1926.106(a).
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Safety nets must be provided when workplaces are more than 25 feet above ground or water, or other surfaces where the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary floors, safety lines, or safety belts are impractical [29 CFR 1926.105(a)].
- Employees working over water or near water where the danger of drowning exists, must be provided with U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets or buoyant work vests [1926.106(a)].
SOURCES OF HELP
- Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1926 - OSHA construction standards. Revised 7/1/92. Stock number 869-017-00122-1 ($14). Available from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402-9325, Phone 202/783-3238. For phone orders you may use a GPO deposit account. Visa, MasterCard or checks made payable to Superintendent of Documents.
- For information on OSHA-funded free consultation services call the nearest OSHA area office listed in telephone directories under U.S. Labor Department or under the state government section in states administering 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; phone 703/487-4650; Order No. PB-239-312/AS, $19.00) to help construction employees establish a training program.
- Courses in construction safety are offered by the OSHA Training Institute, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018 (phone 708/297-4610).
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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