Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for California: Sheet Metal Worker Falls Off Step Ladder and Dies

摘要

A 46-year old sheet metal worker (decedent) died when he fell off an 8-foot step ladder and struck his head on the edge of a metal floor plate. The employer was performing sheet metal work on a hospital addition. The decedent was working with his right foot on the 5th step at the 4-foot, 9-inch level and the left foot on the step above. He was adding a fire damper to an previously installed sheet metal plenum. According to a co-worker, the decedent fell when the ladder spun around catching the decedent's legs in the ladder. The CA/FACE investigator determined that, in order to prevent future occurrences, employers should: (1) ensure employees use ladders in a safe manner. (2) ensure employees reposition ladders or use alternate means to access work safely.