Inspection Detail

Inspection: 313629263 - Assist Network Solutions, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Jackson Area Office

Investigation Summary

On February 18, 2010, an employee was unspooling and preparing to wrap the free end of a nylon rope around an existing antenna pole situated on the roof. The other end of the rope had already been wrapped around the frame of an aerial lift, which had been used to gain access to the hanger's roof. The plan was to use two runs of nylon rope, anchored between the aerial lift and the antenna pole, as a static lifeline, in conjunction with shock-absorbing lanyards being worn by the employee and a coworker, as fall protection. Both men were wearing full-body harnesses. While uncoiling the nylon rope, and not looking ahead, the employee stepped through a fiberglass skylight panel and fell approximately 39 feet to his death on the concrete floor of the hanger. The free end of the shock absorbing lanyard, attached to the harness back D-ring, was clipped into the side of the employee's harness and was not secured to any other lifeline.

Keywords: HEAD, ROOF, UNSECURED, LANYARD, FALL, FALL PROTECTION, CONCUSSION, WORK SURFACE