Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report in California: Construction Worker Dies When He Falls Through the Ceiling of a Refrigerator Freezer Unit

摘要

A 47-year-old Hispanic construction worker died when he fell 13 feet through the ceiling of a refrigerator freezer unit to the concrete floor below. The victim had been on the job for two days and was working alone. He was in the process of checking the top of the refrigerator freezer unit for any loose debris at the time of the incident. The panels were supported by brackets attached to the freezer walls. The victim fell through a panel from which the wall bracket had been removed earlier. The victim was not wearing any fall protection. The CA/FACE investigator determined that in order to prevent future occurrences, employers, as part of their Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), should: (1) Minimize the risk of employee falls during maintenance, disassembly, or demolition activities by performing a hazard analysis and ensuring fall prevention work practices are used. (2) Provide task-specific safety training for employees who are at risk of falls when performing maintenance, disassembly, or demolition.