Fatal Accident Circumstances and Epidemiology (FACE) Report, Carpenter Dies in 14-Foot Fall from Roof, August 17, 1988

摘要

The case of a carpenter who died as the result of head injuries sustained in a 14-foot fall from a garage roof was examined. The victim was one of 5 carpenters employed by a general contractor who had been in operation only 11 months. No written safety policy or safety program was provided by the contractor nor was there any safety training offered to employees. The company was hired to frame and finish the exterior of single dwellings in a new housing development. The victim lowered a rope to the ground where a coworker attached a circular saw. The victim pulled the saw up to the roof and called to the coworker to throw him an extension cord. He caught the cord but, as he began to unwind and lower it back to be plugged in, he lost his balance. He fell through the roof but was able to grasp the toe board at the edge of the roof. His coworker tried to pull him back but their hands and arms were wet with perspiration. He fell through the open front of the dwelling, struck a rafter which caused his body to turn 180 degrees, and landed head first on the concrete garage floor. He was declared brain dead the next day and died 4 hours later due to multiple cerebral contusions. It is recommended that employees be provided with and use fall protection devices. Lifelines, safety belts, lanyards, standard guardrails, safety nets, and catch platforms could have been used.