FACEValue: Worker dies after being knocked off roof by wind

Case report: 13KY059*
Issued by: Kentucky Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program

A 73-year-old roofer and his co-worker arrived at a commercial construction site to roof a newly constructed building. The workers climbed an extension ladder to access the roof to determine where they were going to place their anchors to tie off. While reviewing the backside of the commercial structure, a gust of wind, around 33 mph, caused the two workers to lose their balance and fall from the roof. The 73-year-old man landed first, and the second worker landed on top of him. Both men fell 15-and-a-half feet and landed on a grassy area. The 73-year-old man died from blunt force injuries to the head and neck.

To prevent future occurrences:

• Employers should not allow their workers to access roofing areas when conditions are windy, wet or icy.
• Workers should use a personal fall protection system during all phases of a roofing job.
• Employers should have a written fall protection program in place.
• Employers should fully plan their fall protection system before it is used.