ACCIDENT SUMMARY No. 56
| Accident Type: |
Fall from Scaffold |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Clear/Dry |
| Type of Operation: |
Sandblasting |
| Size of Work Crew: |
3 |
| 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: |
Some |
| Employee Job Title: |
Painter |
| Age & Sex: |
33-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
3 Years |
| Time on Project: |
2 Hours |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
Two employees were sandblasting a 110 foot water tank while working on a two-point suspension scaffold 60-70 feet above the ground. The scaffold attachment point failed, releasing the scaffold cables, and the scaffold fell to the ground. The employees were not tied off independently, nor was the scaffold equipped with an independent attachment system.
INSPECTION RESULTS
As a result of the investigation, OSHA issued a serious citation for eight violations and five other violations.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Instruct employees in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions [CFR 291926.21 (b)(2)].
- Use scaffold tie backs as secondary anchorage on two-point suspension scaffolds [29 CFR 1926.451(i)(4)].
- Attach employee lifelines to substantial members of the structure, not scaffold [29 CFR 1926.451(i)(8)].
- Conduct periodic inspections while the scaffold is in use [29 CFR 1926.451(i)(7)].
- Use scaffold attachment components capable of sustaining four times the maximum load [29 CFR 1926.451(i) (2)].
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 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, 708/297-4810.
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.
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