 |
 U.S.
Department of Labor
Occupational Safety
and Health Administration
No. 27 |
|
| ACCIDENT
SUMMARY |
| Accident
Type |
Fall
through Scaffolding |
| Weather |
Clear |
| Type
of Operation |
Masonry
Contractor |
| Crew
Size |
8 |
| Collective
Bargaining |
Yes |
| Competent
Safety Monitor on Site? |
No |
| Safety
and Health Program in Effect? |
Yes |
| Was
the Worksite Inspected Regularly? |
No |
| Training
and Education Provided? |
Yes |
| Employee
Job Title |
Bricklayer |
| Age/Sex |
52/M |
| Experience
at this Type of Work |
25
years |
| Time
on Project |
4
weeks |
|
 |
| BRIEF
DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT |
| A
crew laying bricks on the upper floor of a three-story building
built a six-foot platform spanning a gap between two scaffolds.
The platform was correctly constructed of two 2" ×
12" planks with standard guardrails; however, one of
the planks was not scaffold grade lumber and also had extensive
dry rot in the center. When a bricklayer stepped on the
plank it disintegrated and he fell 30 feet to his death. |
| INSPECTION
RESULTS |
| As
a result of its investigation, OSHA issued a citation alleging
two serious violations of its standards. Had OSHA construction
safety standards been followed, this fatality might have
been prevented. |
| ACCIDENT
PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS |
- Have
a "competent" person regularly and frequently
inspect the jobsite, including materials and equipment,
to assure compliance with OSHA standards (29 CFR 1926.20(b)(2)).
- Use
only scaffold grade or equivalent wood for planking
on scaffolds (29 CFR 1926.451(a)(10)).
|
| 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.
[62
FR 40141, July 25, 1997]
Fall
Protection and Rescue Training | Consulting
/ Services | Equipment
Sales | Contact Us
|
| |
