ACCIDENT SUMMARY No. 68

Accident Type:	Fall (Thrown from)
Weather Conditions:	Unknown
Type of Operation:	Cleaning, Replacing and Caulking Brick
Size of Work Crew:	6
Competent Safety Monitor on Site:	No
Safety and Health Program in Effect:	Yes
Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly:	No
Training and Education Provided:	Yes
Employee Job Title:	Laborer
Age & Sex:	45-Male
Experience at this Type of Work:	Unknown
Time on Project:	3 Weeks

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT

Employee was operating an aerial lift, with an extendable boom rotating aerial work platform. He was thrown from the basket while moving the machine. The boom was fully extended and the machine apparently ran over some bricks, causing the boom to flex or spring, throwing the employee from the basket. The fall was about 37 feet to a concrete surface. The employee died from severe head and chest injuries.

The foreman was not on the site at the time.

ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Have a competent person conduct frequent regular inspections of the worksite, in accordance with 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1926.20(b)(2).
2. Permit only those employees qualified by training to operate equipment and machinery, in accordance with 1926.20(b)(4).
3. Instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his or her work environment, in accordance with 1926.21 (b)(2).
4. Prohibit unauthorized persons from operating aerial lifts, in accordance with 1926.556(b)(2)(ii).
5. Require the wearing of a body belt and lanyard at all times while in this type of device, in accordance with 1926.556(b)(2)(v)

SOURCES OF HELP

• OSHA Construction Standards [29 CFR Part 1926], which include all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations covering construction, may be purchased from the Government Printing Office, phone (202) 512-1800, fax (202) 512-2250, order number 869022-00114-1, $33.
• OSHA-funded free consultation services listed in telephone directories under U.S. Labor Department or under the state government section where states administer their own OSHA programs.
• OSHA Safety and Health Training Guidelines for Construction, Volume III (Available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161; phone (703) 487-4650; Order No. PB-239-312/AS, $25) to help construction employers establish a training program.
• Courses in construction safety are offered by the OSHA Training Institute, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018, 847/297-4810.
• OSHA regulations, documents and technical information also are available on CD-ROM, which may be purchased from the Government Printing Office, phone (202) 512-1800 or fax (202) 5122250, order number 729-13-00000-5; cost $79 annually; $28 quarterly. That information also is on the Internet World Wide Web at http://www.osha.gov./

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.