Fatal falls preventable -- Jack MacDonald

As of mid-June, six construction workers have died in workplace accidents in 1997. Three of these deaths were due to falls from elevations, and could have been prevented. New Fall Protection Regulations took effect in 1996. The regulations were designed by employer and worker representatives, with assistance from the WCB. The new regulations provide greater flexibility for compliance while enhancing the level of protection required for workers at risk for falls from heights. "WCB safety officers are presently working their way through the construction industry, consulting with employers, supervisors, and workers on how to use the new regulations to protect themselves," says WCB Prevention manager Don Dahr. "We believe that with the introduction of the new safety standards construction accidents will be substantially reduced, especially these tragic falls." Fatal fall accidents The following is a brief summary of two of the three fatal fall accidents (the third remains under investigation at the time of posting): Fall from roof A roofer was nailing shingles near the edge of a residential roof when he suddenly fell off the roof, landing on the ground 19 ft. (6 m) below. He suffered severe internal injuries and died shortly after being admitted to hospital. The roofer was not wearing any fall protection equipment at the time of the accident. How to prevent a similar accident: Direct and instruct workers in the safe performance of their duties Wear a safety belt or body harness attached to a securely anchored lifeline when working on elevations that are 10 ft. (3 m) or more above grade Fall from ladder A carpenter, working on a highrise building, fell five levels to his death when the unsecured ladder he was climbing slipped from its base. The worker fell backwards through the stairwell where there was no guardrail in place. How to prevent a similar accident: Provide written instruction and direction to workers on ladder safety Install guardrails on every floor and roof opening that constitutes a hazard to workers Make regular site inspections to ensure that safe work practices are followed To order bulletin-sized Fatal Alert posters on falls or other serious hazards, contact the WCB Films and Posters Section at phone 604 276-3068 (1 800 661-2112, local 3068) or fax 604 279-7406.