FACEValue: Worker dies after falling from scaffold

Case report: #OR 2015-12-1*
Issued by: Oregon Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program
Date of incident: July 1, 2015

A 46-year-old owner of a residential siding company died from injuries sustained from a 20- to 25-foot fall onto a concrete slab. On the day of the incident, a subcontractor was installing siding in a breezeway. To work around concrete stairs and other structures, workers used only one pump jack pole and the stair landing to support the other end of the platform. To raise the platform above landing height, the workers placed a stepladder on the landing and raised the pump jack pole on the other side. The victim was attempting to use a second stepladder placed on top of the scaffold platform when he fell. He died the next day.

To help prevent similar occurrences:

• Evaluate site-specific conditions to determine the most appropriate means of safely accessing the work area.
• Require and ensure the use of fall protection.
• Establish a program that includes provisions for qualified persons to conduct regular and frequent inspections.
• Develop a site-specific safety plan that addresses conditions that may affect safety or safety equipment.
• Encourage workers to voice concerns about unsafe conditions.
• Don’t take shortcuts.