ACCIDENT SUMMARY - Fall from Roof
| Accident Type: | Fall from Roof |  |
| Weather Conditions: | Cloudy | |
| Type of Operation: | Painting Contractor | |
| Size of Work Crew: | 2 | |
| Collective Bargaining | Yes | |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: | No | |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: | No | |
| Was the Work site Inspected Regularly: | Yes | |
| Training and Education Provided: | Yes | |
| Employee Job Title: | Painter | |
| Age & Sex: | 30-Male | |
| Experience at this Type of Work: | 5 Years | |
| Time on Project: | 6 Hours |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
Two employees were using a crawling board/chicken ladder type apparatus while they painted the roof of a barn. The crawling board/chicken ladder broke, and both employees fell approximately 35 feet to the ground, One employee sustained multiple injuries, and the other employee was killed.
INSPECTION RESULTS
As a result of its investigation, OSHA issued a citation alleging one serious violation and two other than serious violations. OSHA's construction standards include several requirements which, if they had been followed here, might have prevented this fatality.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Crawling boards/chicken ladders must be constructed so as to meet the minimum design specifications set forth for such equipment (29 CFR 1926.451(v)(1)).
- A firmly fastened lifeline of at least V4 inch rope or equivalent must be strung beside each crawling board or chicken ladder for a handhold (29 CFR 1926.451(v)(2)).
- Crawling boards/chicken ladders must be effectively secured to the roof (29 CFR 1926.451(v)(3)).
- A safety program must be established to prevent accidents. It must include frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials, and equipment by a competent person (29 CFR 1926.20(b)(1) and (b)(2))
SOURCES OF HELP
- Construction Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 2207) which contains all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations (1926 and 1910) covering construction.
- "Occupational Fatalities Related to Scaffolds as Found in Reports of OSHA Fatality/Catastrophe Investigations," available from the National Technical in-formation Service, 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, Va. 22161, (703) 487-4650, publication no. PB 80-182-009, $11.50, pre-paid.
- OSHA-funded free consultation services. Consult your telephone directory for the number of your local OSHA area office for further assistance and advice (listed under U.S. Labor Department or under the state government section where states administer their own OSHA 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.
