| Number
58 - Fall and Drowning |
 |
 U.S.
Department of Labor
Occupational Safety
and Health Administration
No. 58 |
| |
| ACCIDENT
SUMMARY |
| Accident
Type |
Fall
and Drowning |
| Weather |
Clear/Windy |
| Type
of Operation |
Construction |
| Crew
Size |
17 |
| Competent
Safety Monitor on Site? |
Yes |
| Safety
and Health Program in Effect? |
Written |
| Was
the Worksite Inspected Regularly? |
Yes |
| Training
and Education Provided? |
No |
| Employee
Job Title |
Laborer |
| Age/Sex |
20/M |
| Experience
at this Type of Work |
2
years |
| Time
on Project |
4
months |
|
 |
| BRIEF
DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT |
| Employee
was suspended to the worksite in a harness made of lightweight
chain on the end of a crane load line. During the operation
the load line separated from a revolving drum due to improper
crane operation. The victim was dropped into approximately
40 feet of water and was drowned. The supervisor in charge
at time of the accident was the designated competent person
at the site. |
| INSPECTION
RESULTS |
| As
a result of its investigation, OSHA issued citations for
violations of nine standards. |
| ACCIDENT
PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS |
- The contractor should provide
conventional means such as ladders, personnel hoists,
aerial lifts, elevated work platforms or scaffolds for
employees to reach the worksite [29 CFR ; 926.550(g)(2)].
- The contractor should perform
a trail lift on the equipment to determine that all
systems, controls and safety devices are functioning
properly immediately prior to hoisting employee to worksite
[29 CFR 1926.550(g)(5)].
- The contractor should not permit
inadequately trained employees to operate equipment
or machinery [29 CFR 1926.20(b)(4)].
- Contractor should provide appropriate
personal protective equipment such as safety belts and
lanyards for employees in operations where there is
exposure to hazardous conditions [29 CFR 1926.28(a)].
- Employer should comply with
manufacturer's specifications applicable to operation
of cranes or derricks [29 CFR 1926.550(a)(1)].
|
| 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.
- 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 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 Road,
Springfield, VA 22161; 703/487-4650; Order 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 on the job.
- Courses in construction safety
are offered by the OSHA Training Institute, 1555 Times
Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018, 312/297-4810.
|
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]
|
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