Fatal Accident Circumstances and Epidemiology (FACE) Report: Painter/SandblasterDies Following a 30-Foot Fall from Scaffolding Inside a Water Tank, South Carolina, April 7, 1993

摘要

The case of a 48 year old male painter/sandblaster who died after falling 30 feetfrom a tubular welded frame scaffold was examined. At the time of the accident the victim was employed by a commercial and industrial painting contractor that had been in operation for 14 years and employed about 100 workers. The victim had approximately 20 years of experience as a painter/sandblaster, but this was his first day working for the company. On the day of the accident the victim was assisting in the painting of a 40 foot high by 40 foot diameter water storage tank. The contractor had rented tubular welded frame scaffolding to be used in completing the sanding and painting of the interior of the tank. The victim was instructed in the use of safety belt, face shield, and blast hood, and was provided with safety equipment. The victim apparently left his safety belt and lanyard in the foreman's truck. The holewatch noted that the victim had shut off his blast hose. A few minutes later, when the foreman had descended from the scaffolding, he went to see why the victim had stopped work, and found him lying injured and conscious on the deck of the tank. He died 8 days later of closed head injury. It is recommended that fall protection equipment be provided and used, that current safety practices be reevaluated, and that a competent person be assigned to conduct regular safety inspections.