GREEN - Steel Worker Falls, Caught by Safety Harness, Lanyards, and Beam Crawlers
Lesson ID: TJNAF-341-03-25-2011 (Source: User Submitted)
Originating Organization or Contracting Company: Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility
Date: 3/28/2011
Contact: K. Royston, (757) 269-6117,
Classifier:Reviewer:
Statement: A steel worker was saved from injury by following construction contractor policy to use 100% fall protection (double tie off).
The URL following this sentence links to a brief video demonstrating the tie off technique.
Discussion: While tightening bolts (beam/column connection) the wrench slipped off the bolt, the worker’s momentum carried the worker off the side of the beam. The worker’s fall was arrested by the personnel safety equipment required by both Mortenson and the erection sub-contractor (Roanoke Valley Steel). The worker self rescued with the aid of his partner. Both lanyards were replaced and the worker returned to work within the hour. The steel erection foreman then reported the incident to Mortenson.
Analysis: Background was that a double-tied off steel worker was leveraging a wrench when he lost his grip. Results of the fact finding are that the construction contractor and the worker did all the right things, plus some extras.
OSHA requires that steelworkers be single tied when 30’ in the air. Mortenson and the sub-contractor have policies requiring 100% fall protection be used, so the worker was double tied. Once he lost his grip, he was caught by the lanyard and promptly helped by the other workers. The steelworker’s supervisor was present and reported it directly to Mortenson, who then reported it to JLab.
Actions:
-The worker’s lanyard was replaced due to activation.
-The contractor presented the incident at the morning meeting.
-This was presented as a best practice as the worker was wearing all appropriate PPE, in excess of OSHA standard.
Savings: NA
Keywords: HARNESS, LANYARDS
Hazard(s): Elevated Work / Falling Objects, Personal Injury / Exposure - Mechanical Injury (Striking / Crushing), Personal Injury / Exposure - Slips & Tripping
ISM Code(s): Analyze Hazards, Define Work, Develop / Implement Controls, Feedback and Improvement, Perform Work
Work Function(s): Construction, Demolition, Hoisting and Rigging, Maintenance - Facility, Maintenance - HVAC, Maintenance - Structural
References:
Priority Descriptor: Green / Good Work Practice