Lessons from losses - Masonry and concrete contractors

Worker building masonry house wall with bricks

By: Courtney Rosengartner, Sr. Loss Control Specialist

 

A young masonry worker was installing brick on the fourth story of an apartment building when he fell to the ground, causing fatal injuries. He appeared to have lost his footing, causing his fall. His employer was subcontracted to complete the construction of an apartment complex. The general contractor had been in charge of erecting the scaffolding that he had been working from. The project duration was about four months at the time of his fall and he had been a skilled worker for over one year. The only other employee on site was unable to offer any detail to this terrible event, but it is important to know that many fall incidents from scaffolding are preventable.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2016 (CFOI) reported 65 slip and fall fatalities from collapsing structures or equipment. In this (BLS) study, it shows an upwards trend in this category from 2011. In 2011, 38 fatalities were caused from collapsing structures or equipment; 45 in 2013 and in 2015, 55 occurred. Fortunately, these fatal outcomes can be controlled by compliance with OSHA standards (1926.451). This OSHA standard details the requirements when working from heights by means of scaffolding.

To avoid hazards from improper scaffold construction follow these general rules:

  • Construct all scaffolds according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Install guardrail systems along all open sides and ends of platforms.
  • Use at least one of the following for scaffolds more than 10 feet above a lower level:
    • Guardrail systems
    • Personal fall arrest systems
  • Provide safe access to scaffold platforms.
  • Do not climb cross-bracing as a means of access.

Furthermore, OSHA construction standards also state that with respect to subcontracted work, the controlling contractor and any subcontractors are deemed to have joint responsibility. (29 CFR 1926.16(d)]

Bureau of Labor Statistics – CFOI 2016

OSHA scaffolding eTool

Scaffolding – OSHA overview

OSHA construction eTools – preventing fatalities

Worker building masonry house wall with bricks
This document is intended for general information purposes only, and should not be construed as advice or opinions on any specific facts or circumstances. The content of this document is made available on an “as is” basis, without warranty of any kind. This document can’t be assumed to contain every acceptable safety and compliance procedures or that additional procedures might not be appropriate under the circumstances. Markel does not guarantee that this information is or can be relied on for compliance with any law or regulation, assurance against preventable losses, or freedom from legal liability. This publication is not intended to be legal, underwriting, or any other type of professional advice. Persons requiring advice should consult an independent adviser. Markel does not guarantee any particular outcome and makes no commitment to update any information herein, or remove any items that are no longer accurate or complete. Furthermore, Markel does not assume any liability to any person or organization for loss of damage caused by or resulting from any reliance placed on that content.

*Markel Specialty is a business division of Markel Service, Incorporated, the underwriting manager for the Markel affiliated insurance companies.
Was this helpful?