 |
|
Proforma Safety, LLC Proforma PSI…when performanance counts Scaffolding Fatality Reinforces Need for Intervention A scaffold builder died recently after a fall (approx. 16 feet) while dismantling a scaffold. Although wearing fall protection at the time of the incident, he was not tied off. He had been tied off hook-to-hook, then disconnected the hooks and was attempting to tie off to the main scaffold when he fell. Using the hook-to-hook approach -- or clipping two lanyards together -- is not acceptable because the latch portion of the hook not rated for side impact. His co-workers were aware of the general requirement for 100% tie off when working at height and proper use of fall protection equipment. Why did they not intervene? The investigation showed that intervention is exercised less often among scaffold crews when it's a senior scaffolder performing the unsafe act. A senior scaffolder may be less open to correction. Construction and disassembly of scaffolds requires 100% tie off; a practice that was well known and enforced requirement at this location. Yet the fatality occurred. Why? We could attribute it to human nature; to being in a hurry. I know what I'm doing. I've done this before. I'll be unhooked only for a moment. I can take the risk. Lessons learned: don't assume you're smarter than common
sense rules. And don't assume your co-worker knows what he/she
is doing, just because they're experienced.
|