Case Evaluation

Examples of Industrial Accidents: Struck by Falling Object

Struck by Falling Object

Accident Type:
Struck by Falling Object
 
Weather Conditions:
Clear
Type of Operation:
Transmission Tower Construction
Size of Work Crew:
4
Union or Non-union
Union
Competent Safety Monitor on Site:
Yes
Safety and Health Program in Effect:
Yes
Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly:
Yes
Training and Education Provided:
No
Employee Job Title:
Groundman (Framer)
Age & Sex:
24-Male
Experience at this Type of Work:
2 Years
Time on Project:
3 Days


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT

Ball and socket connectors are used to attach conductor stringing blocks to insulators on the arms of 90 foot metal towers of electrical transmission lines. Normally stainless steel cotter keys secure the ball and socket connector in place. In this case, however, black electrical tape was wrapped around the socket to keep the ball in place rather than a cotter key. The tape apparently stretched and the ball came loose, dropping the stringing block approximately 90 feet onto the head of an employee below, one of a four-man erection crew.

INSPECTION RESULTS

As result of the its investigation, OSHA issued citations alleging three serious and two other-than-serious violations.

OSHA's construction safety standards include several requirements which, if they had been followed here, might have prevented this fatality.

ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS

Rigging and equipment must be inspected regularly and maintained in safe operating condition as required by general provisions of OSHA's construction.

 

Employees must be instructed to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions and be made aware of regulations which apply to the work and the work area to eliminate safety and health hazards as required in the safety training and education section of OSHA's construction safety standards.

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