Edges and Openings
Two Examples of Actual Accidents
Fall off wall: An ironworker was standing on a tilt-up concrete wall, throwing out bridging. He was wearing a harness and lanyard but was not tied-off. He fell 30 feet to the ground and sustained crushing injuries to his spine, resulting in permanent paralysis below the chest.
Recommendations: The accident could have been prevented if the ironworker had been properly tied off.
Fall through hole: A worker was working on a second-story roof, which was stripped off of the original roofing clay tile, felt paper and existing skylights.
He was preparing the roof for installation of new materials. While working, he stepped through the removed skylight opening, which was covered only with felt paper. He fell approximately 24 feet to a ceramic tile covered concrete floor and was hospitalized with a head fracture.
Recommendations: Covers for holes in floors and working surfaces must be:
- capable of supporting at least twice the weight of employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time;
- secured when installed so as to prevent accidental displacement by the wind, equipment, or employees; and
- color coded or marked with the word "HOLE" or "COVER" to provide warning of the hazard.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-4. Covers for holes in floors and working surfaces must _____.
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