Friday, February 6, 2015

LABORER DIES AFTER FALLING THROUGH 40-FOOT HIGH ROOF OF RECYCLING FACILITY IN NEW JERSEY






 

LABORER DIES AFTER FALLING THROUGH 40-FOOT HIGH ROOF OF RECYCLING FACILITY IN NEW JERSEY


A 50-year-old male laborer fell through the roof of a large recycling facility. The incident occurred on a flat roof approximately 40 feet above the floor of the recycling plant. 


The victim fell 30 feet and hit an air compressor on a raised platform (approximately 10 feet off the ground). 


On the day of the incident, the victim and two other workers were assigned to clear a layer of stones that was in place to protect the roof from ultraviolet light damage. 


The workers were using brooms and shovels to load the stones into wheelbarrows, which were taken to the edge of the roof and dumped to a dumpster below. The victim stepped on an area of the roof that failed and fell to his death. 


Contributing Factors: 


·         Deterioration of corrugated metal roof deck

·         Lack of fall protection


Our investigators recommend that these safety guidelines be followed to prevent similar incidents: 


  • All walking or working surfaces should have the structural integrity to support workers.
  • All workers engaged in roofing activities with unprotected sides and edges six feet or higher should be trained on and outfitted with personal protective equipment.
  • A safety and health plan based on a job hazard analysis should be developed by the employer and followed where workers are assigned tasks.