Don't Let This Be You!

The following accident could have been avoided with proper safety training on personal protective equipment and forklift safety....DON'T LET THIS BE YOU!

ACCIDENT SUMMARY No. 73

Accident Type:	Struck by/Caught between
Weather Conditions:	Clear/warm
Type of Operation:	Stacking Structural Steel
Size of Work Crew:	6
Competent Person on Site:	No
Safety and Health Program in Effect:	No
Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly by the Employer:	No
Training and Education Provided:	No
Employee Job Title:	Laborer
Age & Sex:	28-Male
Experience at this Type of Work:	4 Years
Time on Project:	5 Weeks

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT

Two laborers and a fork lift driver were staking 40-foot-long I-beams in preparation for for structural steel erection. One laborer was placing a 2 X 4 inch wooden spacer on the last I-beam on the stack. The fork lift driver drove up to the stack with another I-beam that was not secured or blocked on the fork lift tines. The I-beam fell from the tines, pining the laborer between the fallen I beam and the stack of beams.

INSPECTION RESULTS

As a result of its investigation, OSHA issued citations for two serious violations of OSHA standards.

ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS

The employer must:

1. Instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and regulations applicable to the work environment to control or eliminate any hazards. In accordance with Title 29 Code of the Federal Regulations (CFR) 1926.21(b)(2).
2. Ensure that proper personal equipment (employee did not wear a seat belt while operating the fork lift) is worn in all operations where there is exposure to hazardous conditions, in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.28(a)
3. Ensure that powered industrial trucks have loads that are stable and secure and that persons are not allowed too close to the elevated portions, in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.602(c)(1)(vi).
4. Ensure that the employer initiates and maintains a safety and health program, in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.20(b)(2)

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.