Inspection Detail

Inspection: 116449844 - Aagaard-Juergensen, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Tampa Area Office

Investigation Summary

Employee #1, a construction superintendent, and a coworker were installing a plastic sheet at the shipping and receiving area of an existing building to section off construction work and to prevent dust from entering it. The wall separating the new and existing buildings was to be removed. Employee #1 was using an 8 ft Keller type "I" industrial stepladder, series 77, model 778, with a maximum standing elevation of 5 ft 9 in. It was placed on a non-slippery tiled surface to reach the 12 ft 6 in. high 2 by 4's onto which the plastic was to be attached. The coworker was using a tubular welded-frame scaffold, two frames high, with the platform placed on the first level. He was holding the plastic in place to be nailed when Employee #1 fell off the stepladder and struck his head. He was killed. No citations relating to the conditions of the accident were proposed. The employer had provided equipment in good condition and free from defects. The ladder was equipped with proper slip-resistant feet made of rubber, and its height was considered suitable for the job. The employer had contracted a consultant prior to the accident, and employees were provided with training and education in the use of ladders. Accident prevention recommendations were to emphasize ladder safety during safety meetings to increase employee hazard awareness and recognition.

Keywords: HEAD, INSTALLING, STEPLADDER, LADDER, STRUCK AGAINST, CONSTRUCTION, FALL, LOST BALANCE, INATTENTION