ACCIDENT SUMMARY - Crushed by Falling Wall
| Accident Type: | Crushed by Falling Wall |  |
| Weather Conditions: | Clear | |
| Type of Operation: | Demolition | |
| Size of Work Crew: | 4 | |
| Collective Bargaining | Yes | |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: | Yes | |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: | Yes | |
| Was the Work site Inspected Regularly: | Yes | |
| Training and Education Provided: | Yes | |
| Employee Job Title: | Laborer | |
| Age & Sex: | 18-Male | |
| Experience at this Type of Work: | 3 Weeks | |
| Time on Project: | 1 Weeks |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
A front end loader was being used to remove a piece of pipe and conduit near two 13 foot high non-load bearing cement block walls. The front end loader, equipped with a "clam" attachment, was pulling on pipe and conduit which ran through the upper part of the cement block walls. Pulling on the piping caused the wall to collapse, crushing and killing a laborer who was working within five feet of the base.
INSPECTION RESULTS
As a result of its investigation, OSHA issued citations for one serious and three other than serious violations of its construction standards. OSHA's construction safety standards include several requirements which, if they had been followed here, might have prevented this fatality.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Except for authorized persons, anyone not involved with the demolition work in progress must be prohibited from being in a demolition area (29 CFR 1926.859(a)).
- While demolition is underway, a competent person must continually inspect the operations as the work progresses to detect an hazards caused by the weakening of walls or other deterioration of materials (29 CFR 1926.859(g)).
- In addition to these precautions, danger signs should be posted where an immediate hazard exists.
SOURCES OF HELP
- Construction Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 2207) which contains 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 -- Order No. PB-239-312/AS) comprised of set of 15 guidelines to help construction employers establish a training program in the safe use of equipment, tools and machinery the job.
- OSHA-funded free onsite consultation services. Consult your telephone directory for the number of your local OSHA area or regional office for further assistance and advice (list under the U.S. Department of Labor or under the state government section where states administer the own OSH programs).
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.
