ACCIDENT SUMMARY No. 27
| Accident Type: |
Fall through Scaffolding |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Clear |
| Type of Operation: |
Masonry Contractor |
| Size of Work Crew: |
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-Male |
| 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.
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