ACCIDENT SUMMARY No. 59
| Accident Type: |
Struck by Falling Wall |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Clear/Wet Soil |
| Type of Operation: |
Trenching |
| Size of Work Crew: |
2 |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
No |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
Inadeqaute |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
No, short duration |
| Training and Education Provided: |
Some |
| Employee Job Title: |
Laborer |
| Age & Sex: |
27-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
1 Year |
| Time on Project: |
1 Day |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
An employee was in the process of locating an underground water line. A trench had been dug approximately 4 feet deep along side a brick wall 7 feet high and 5 feet long. The brick wall collapsed onto the victim who was standing in the trench. The injuries were fatal.
INSPECTION RESULTS
As a result of its investigation, OSHA issued citations for violation of the standard.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
The contractor should not permit employees to excavate below the level of the base of foundation footings when walls are unpinned [29 CFR 1926.651(i)(1)]
SOURCES OF HELP
- OSHA 2202 Construction Industry Digest ¯ includes all OSHA construction standards and those general industry standards that apply to construction. Order No. 029-016-00151-4, ($2.25). Available from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402-9325, phone (202) 512-1800. Make checks payable to Superintendent of Documents. For phone orders, Visa® or MasterCard®.
- OSHA 2254 Training Requirements in OSHA Standards and Training Guidelines ¯ includes all OSHA construction standards and those general industry standards that apply to construction. Order No. 029-016-00160-3, ($6.00). Available from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402-9325, phone (202) 512-1800. Make checks payable to Superintendent of Documents. For phone orders, Visa® or MasterCard®.
- OSHA Safety and Health Guidelines for Construction (Available from the National Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161; (703) 605-6000 or (800) 553-6847; Order No. PB-239-312/AS, $27). Guidelines to helpconstruction employers establish a training program in the safe use of equipment, tools, and machinery on the job.
- 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.
- Courses in construction safety are offered by the OSHA Training Institute, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018, 708/297-4810.
- 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): guidelines to help construction employers establish a training program in the safe use of equipment, tools, and machinery on the Job.
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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