ACCIDENT SUMMARY No. 37
| Accident Type: |
Crushed by steel beam |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Clear after a light rain |
| Type of Operation: |
Installation of power plant equipment |
| Size of Work Crew: |
4 |
| 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: |
Ironworker |
| Age & Sex: |
60-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
6 Months |
| Time on Project: |
2 Hours |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
Two employees were moving structural steel building beams to a storage area. After setting the fourth beam on the crib, the signal man signaled the crane operator to pull the sling from around a cribbed structural beam which was set on its flange side. The second employee then attempted to remove the shackle from the beam when the swaged fitting of the sling apparently caught and caused the steel beam to roll off the cribbing, crushing the second employee.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
The signal man should have been told to insure that the area around the load was clear of personnel before permitting the crane to be used in clearing the slings (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2)).
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.
- 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).
- OSHA Safety and Health Training Guidelines for Construction (available from the National Technical Information Service - Order No. PB-239-312/AS) comprised of a set of 15 guidelines to help construction employees establish a training program in the safe use of the equipment, tools, and machinery on the job.
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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