NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance in Preventing Worker Injuries and Deaths Caused by Falls from Suspension Scaffolds.

摘要

This Alert presented the warning that workers may die or be injured if scaffold equipment and fall protection systems are either defective or are misused. Falls have been a leading cause of traumatic occupational death. Fatal falls from scaffolds during the period from 1980 through 1985 accounted for 17% of all falls from elevations (461 of 2705), second only to falls from buildings. Regulations were promulgated in 1971 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to protect workers from the hazards of working from scaffolds in general industry and in the construction industry. Currently regulations have been proposed which would apply to the design, construction and use of all scaffolds in construction. These regulations provide for a competent person to inspect scaffolds and equipment before use, the use of scaffold components capable of supporting proper loads, the proper shielding of ropes from corrosive processes or heat, and the use of both guardrail systems and body belt or harness systems for work from suspension scaffolds.