ACCIDENT SUMMARY No. 51
| Accident Type: |
Struck By |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Clear/Cool/Windy |
| Type of Operation: |
Construction Maintainence |
| Size of Work Crew: |
3 |
| Collective Bargaining |
Yes |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
No |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
No |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
Inadequate* |
| Training and Education Provided: |
No |
| Employee Job Title: |
Laborer |
| Age & Sex: |
33-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
18 Weeks |
| Time on Project: |
1 Day |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
Employees were dismantling grain spouts at a grain elevator. Sections of the spout were connected by collars. A ten foot section of a spout weighing 600 pounds was being pulled through a vent hole by a 5-ton winch. As the spout was being pulled through the opening to the outside, the spout became wedged at the point where the collar was to pass through. Several employees used pry bars to free the collar which was under tension. The spout popped out of the vent striking and killing an employee who was standing beside the spout.
* Employer provided but did not require use of hard hats.
INSPECTION RESULTS
As a result of its investigation, OSHA issued two citations alleging serious violations. The employee should have been able to recognize that this situation was hazardous. Additionally, the investigation revealed that this employee was not wearing personal protective equipment in this hazardous situation. Had he been wearing a hard hat this death might have been prevented.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Employees must be instructed in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to the work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury [29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2)].
- Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn by employees in all operations where there is exposure to hazardous conditions [29 CFR 1926.26 (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.
- 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 Rd., Springfield, VA 22161; 703/487-4650; 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.
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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