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Scaffolding - Fatality as a result of fall from suspended work platform
The victim accessed work on the lower level of a suspended modular scaffold. He fell from the scaffold through a gap between two modular platform sections. The plywood used to close the gap between the two platforms was found on the floor. The victim fell from approximately 18 metres sustaining severe injuries. The victim was medivac to hospital and died of severe injuries. Further to the accident, activity on site had been stopped for the day and inspection of all the tank scaffold started.
A signalling system concerning scaffold in course of erection, erected or completed have to be implemented. This system should be present at all the scaffold access (Scafftag system). Any new or modified scaffold work platform must be cleared for use by the scaffold erection team, prior to other trades access. When interaction between subcontractors exist, develop a pre start work clearance system to ensure all relevant parties are consulted and sign off as "safe to proceed" before work in a particular area proceeds.
Subcontracting supervisor and subcontracting employees did not receive training concerning scaffolding procedures Victim's supervisor thought the scaffolding was safe because it was set up so he authorised the victim to go to the work location, to complete previous days activity. lack of communication between subcontractor setting up the scaffolds and subcontractor using the scaffolds. The victim did not recognise the 90 degree tube across the platform walkway as a barrier (Common method of identifying closed areas of suspended platform) and accessed to an unsafe area.


Category:	Safety Alerts	Document Type:	Safety
Format:	PDF	Viewers:	1,371
Download:	English

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