Fatal Accident Circumstances and Epidemiology (FACE) Report: ConcreteContractor/Finisher Dies in Virginia Following a 36-Foot Fall through a Floor Opening, February 6, 1990

摘要

The report concerns the death of a 42 year old male concrete contractor/finisherwho died after falling 36 feet through a floor opening. The man had been contracted to supply and finish the concrete for flooring work in a newly constructed three story 60,000 square foot building. At the time of the accident two crews of three men each were screeding the concrete as it was being poured on the formwork. The victim and one coworker were using a 16 foot aluminum strike off to screed the surface. A third worker spread the concrete with a rake. The three moved backwards. A support beam was located directly in the path of the victim. Approximately 2 feet behind this column was a floor opening to accommodate future ductwork. The opening was covered by a piece of particleboard with the words Do Not Step on This painted on the board. The victim moved around the column and stepped on the floor opening cover which bowed under his weight and both fell through the opening. It was recommended that employers implement 29 CFR 1926.500 which requires that floor opening covers be capable of supporting maximum loads; that employers consider and address worker safety during the planning phase of the projects; that employers develop a comprehensive safety program and that prime contractors and subcontractors contractually agree on specific site safety and health programs to be implemented before subcontractors begin work.