ACCIDENT SUMMARY No. 48

Accident Type:	Struck by Nail
Weather Conditions:	N/A
Type of Operation:	Remodeling
Size of Work Crew:	2
Collective Bargaining	No
Competent Safety Monitor on Site:	No
Safety and Health Program in Effect:	No
Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly:	No
Training and Education Provided:	No
Employee Job Title:	Maintainence
Age & Sex:	32-Male
Experience at this Type of Work:	1 Day
Time on Project:	1 Day

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT

Two employees were doing remodeling construction and were building a wall. One of the workers was killed when he was struck by a nail fired from a powder-actuated tool. The tool operator, while attempting to anchor plywood to a 2" × 4" stud, fired the tool. The nail penetrated the stud and the plywood partition prior to striking the victim.

INSPECTION RESULTS

As a result of its investigation, OSHA issued citations for three serious violations. Had employees been trained in the use of powder-actuated tools and had precautions been taken to prevent the nail from passing through the wall, the accident probably would not have occurred.

ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Employees using powder-actuated tools must be trained in the operation of the particular tool. [29 CFR 1926.302(e)(l)].
2. Driving into materials easily penetrated must be avoided unless materials are backed by a substance that will prevent the nail from passing completely through and creating a flying missile hazard on the other side [29 CFR 1926.302(e)(8)].
3. Operators and assistants using powder-actuated tools must be safeguarded with eye protection [28 CFR 1926.302(e)(12)]

SOURCES OF HELP

• OSHA General Industry Standards [29 CFR Parts 1900-1910] and OSHA Construction Standards [29 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.
• 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.