Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Minnesota: Construction Worker Dies After Falling 17 Feet from an Elevated Platform in a Steel Warehouse

摘要

A 39-year-old worker (victim) died of injuries he sustained after falling 17 feet from an elevated platform in a steel manufacturing warehouse. On the day of the incident workers were tightening a bolt on steel arm that was used for storage. The victim was standing inside a steel pan that was elevated to 17 feet by means of a side loading forklift. The victim's coworker was standing on stored steel in order to hold the arm in place while the victim tightened the bolt. Neither the victim or his coworker were wearing fall protection at the time of the fall. When the coworker noticed the victim was missing a 911 call was placed to emergency rescue personnel who responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene. MN FACE investigators concluded that, in order to reduce the likelihood of similar occurrences, the following guidelines should be followed: (1) whenever any work is performed at an elevation where the potential for a serious or fatal fall exists, the employer should ensure that fall protection equipment is provided and used by all employees; and (2) employers should design, develop, and implement a comprehensive safety program.