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Safety Hoisting of Trusses

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Safe hoisting and erection of roof trusses requires a planned lift, controlled rigging, competent supervision, fall protection, and strict exclusion of workers from suspended-load hazards. At minimum, the employer should develop a pre-lift plan covering truss weights and pick points, crane capacity at the planned radius, ground conditions, delivery/landing sequence, weather limits, communication methods, fall protection, temporary bracing, and who is authorized to rig, signal, receive, and stabilize each load. OSHA construction safety requirements are found in 29 CFR Part 1926, and crane requirements were updated by OSHA in 2010\. Fall hazards must be addressed before work begins by planning, providing the right equipment, and training workers in its use. [1] [1] [4] [13]

Pre-lift planning and crane operations:

  • Verify each truss weight, bundle weight, span, center of gravity, and manufacturer-recommended pick locations before lifting.
  • Confirm crane type, boom length, load chart capacity, operating radius, outrigger setup, and ground bearing support for every pick.
  • Establish a lift path and landing/setting sequence so trusses can be placed directly into position with minimal rehandling.
  • Do not hoist trusses in winds or weather conditions that could cause loss of load control, rotation, or worker instability.
  • Use only one designated signal person or a clearly defined communication system; stop the lift if communication is lost.
  • Barricade the swing radius and the area below suspended trusses; no worker should stand under or ride the load.
  • Inspect the delivery area, crane setup area, access roads, and overhead obstructions such as power lines before the lift.
  • If power lines are present, maintain required clearances and coordinate with the utility when needed.

[3] [9] Rigging procedures and load stability:

  • Use rigging that is rated for the load and configured to keep the truss stable and within sling angle limits.
  • Use manufacturer-approved lifting points, spreader bars, strongbacks, or multiple pick points when needed to prevent bending, buckling, or roll-over of long-span trusses.
  • Inspect slings, hooks, shackles, and lifting hardware before use; remove damaged gear from service.
  • Use self-closing or locking hooks where appropriate and ensure connections are fully seated.
  • Control rotation with tag lines when conditions allow, keeping workers clear of pinch points and never wrapping tag lines around hands or body.
  • Do not side-load hooks, shock-load the rigging, or drag trusses into place with the crane.
  • Set trusses only onto stable bearing points and secure them immediately with temporary restraint/bracing before releasing the crane.
  • Never release the load until the truss is stabilized against overturning, sliding, or domino collapse.

For roof-truss erection, temporary bracing is a critical hazard control. A single truss is usually unstable until it is connected and braced as part of the system. The erection crew should install temporary lateral restraint, diagonal bracing, and any permanent bracing required by the truss design as erection progresses. Do not allow workers onto unbraced or partially braced trusses. Sequence the work so the crane holds the truss until it is aligned, seated, and adequately restrained.

Fall protection during truss erection:

  • Workers exposed to an unprotected side or edge 6 feet or more above a lower level must be protected by guardrails, safety nets, or a personal fall arrest system (PFAS).
  • Plan anchor locations before work begins so workers can remain tied off during receiving, positioning, bracing, and sheathing activities.
  • Anchor points should be attached to substantial structural members such as a beam, girder, roof truss, or rafter, and each anchor must support 5,000 pounds per worker or twice the intended load.
  • Use a full-body harness; body belts are not acceptable as part of a PFAS.
  • Use compatible connecting devices only; do not hook lanyards together unless the manufacturer approves it.
  • Inspect PFAS equipment before each use and remove damaged components from service immediately.
  • Have a rescue plan for a worker whose fall has been arrested; the plan should allow the worker to be raised or lowered to safety without free fall.
  • Protect workers from falls through skylights and roof openings with covers, guarding, or equivalent protection.

[4] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [7] A qualified rigger should be used whenever workers are rigging loads for hoisting, especially for complex, long, flexible, or potentially unstable picks such as roof trusses. In practice, that person should understand load weight, center of gravity, sling angles, hitch configurations, hardware limitations, inspection criteria, and the effects of multi-point lifting on truss stability. A competent person should also supervise fall protection and access hazards, identify unsafe conditions, and have authority to correct them promptly. [2] [6]

Access, positioning, and worker support:

  • Use the safest feasible access method for setting and bracing trusses, typically properly erected scaffolds or aerial lifts rather than overreaching from ladders.
  • If ladders are used for limited access, set them on stable ground, maintain the 4:1 angle, extend side rails 3 feet above the landing, and secure them when used for roof access.
  • Do not carry truss bracing, tools, or materials in your hands while climbing; hoist them separately.
  • Scaffolds used for truss work must be erected under competent supervision, fully planked as needed, provided with guardrails where required, and capable of supporting at least 4 times the intended load.
  • Keep walking/working surfaces free of snow, ice, mud, loose materials, and trip hazards that could cause a fall while receiving or bracing trusses.

[5] [5] [5] [8] [8] [3] Key hazard controls for truss erection:

  • Pre-job meeting with crane operator, rigger, signal person, erection crew, and supervisor to review sequence, roles, communication, weather, and emergency procedures.
  • Verify truss design drawings, permanent bracing requirements, and any engineered erection instructions are on site and understood.
  • Inspect crane setup, rigging gear, ladders, scaffolds, anchors, and PFAS before starting work each shift.
  • Control site traffic and material staging so trucks, forklifts, and workers on foot do not enter the lift zone unexpectedly.
  • Maintain housekeeping and stable footing on floors, walls, and roof surfaces.
  • Stop work for high winds, lightning, poor visibility, or any condition that prevents safe control of the load or safe worker movement.
  • Train all workers involved in fall protection, ladder/scaffold use, rigging awareness, suspended-load hazards, and emergency response.
  • Enforce a no-shortcuts rule: no walking top chords of unbraced trusses, no free-climbing, no standing on walls without protection, and no working beneath suspended trusses.

[4] [11] [2] [2] Relevant OSHA construction standards for this work typically include 29 CFR Part 1926 generally, with particular attention to Subpart CC for cranes and derricks, Subpart M for fall protection, ladder requirements in 1926\.1053, and scaffold requirements in Subpart L when those access systems are used. The supplied documents specifically point to OSHA construction standards in Part 1926 and identify fall protection, ladders, and scaffolds as core compliance areas. For truss erection, employers should also follow the truss manufacturer's erection and bracing instructions and any engineered site-specific erection plan. [1] [10] [5] [12]

13 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] PFAS Safety: Personal Fall Arrest Systems for Residential Construction Contractors

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# Additional Information On-site Consultation Program Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (508) 616-0461 www.mass.gov/dols OSHA Regional Office JFK Federal Building- Room E340 Boston, MA [redacted postal code] (617) 565-9860 www.osha.gov The Center for Construction Research and Training Fall prevention safety materials and resources: www.cpwr.com ## MA FACE Project Occupational Health Surveillance Program Massachusetts Department of Public Health [redacted street address] Boston, MA [redacted postal code] (617) 624-5627 www.mass.gov/dph/FACE FACE is an occupational injury prevention project conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. FACE is not responsible for the enforcement of safety standards. FACE investigates workplace fatalities to identify risk factors that lead to fatal injury in order to prevent future deaths. The FACE Project is funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Many thanks to the contractors and others who helped develop this brochure. Special thanks to the Arizona Construction Training Alliance for use of interior photos. # PFAS SAFETY: Personal Fall Arrest Systems For Residential Construction Contractors Last updated 11/2012 Massachusetts Department of Public Health Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Project PARTMENT # Keep Your Workers Safe Any Fall Can Be Fatal or Debilitating! ## When is fall protection required for residential construction workers? Fall protection must be provided to any employee working at a height of 6 feet or more above a lower level. The best fall protection is a passive system because it does not require active participation from the worker: these include guard rail systems and safety nets. But sometimes active fall protection is needed, such as a personal fall arrest system (PFAS). ## What is a PFAS? A PFAS (personal fall arrest system) consists of three major components: • a full-body harness; • a shock-absorbing lan…

[2] SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: Removing Snow from Rooftops on Municipal and State Property

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THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STANDARDS MASSsafety Works! Workplace Safety is No Accident # SAFETY REQUIREMENTS # Removing Snow from Rooftops on Municipal and State Property After excessive snowfall, concerns arise about the weight of snow and the structural integrity of the roof. Workers assigned to remove snow from rooftops are at high risk of injury from falling off the roof edge or falling through skylights. Employers must plan ahead to protect all workers from falling off the roof. ## Prevent Worker Injury When Removing Snow from Roofs • Use snow removal methods that do not involve workers going onto roofs, when possible. - Provide Fall Protection equipment to workers who go onto roofs such as full body harnesses, shock-absorbing lanyards, lifelines, and engineered anchor points. • Guard skylights, so workers do not fall through. • Mark skylights, roof drains, and vents that could trip workers. • Avoid contact with electrical power lines. Keep ladders, aerial lifts and workers at least 10 feet away from power lines. - Evaluate weight load exerted on roof to ensure the roof can support the workers and equipment. - Train workers to use Fall Protection harness, lifelines and anchor points correctly. For more detailed information to prevent injury, refer to OSHA Publication 3513 "Hazard Alert: Falls and Other Hazards to Workers Removing Snow from Rooftops and Other Elevated Surfaces" available at: www.osha.gov A method to protect workers from falling is required. One example of Fall Protection is a full-body harness with a shock-absorbing lanyard attached to a rope grab and vertical lifeline that is attached to a separate 5000-pound anchor point per worker. ## Frequently Asked Questions The roof is flat. Is Fall Protection still required? Answer: YES. There is no exemption unless there is a railing protecting the entire perimeter. I won't go closer than 6 feet to the…

[3] PFAS Safety: Personal Fall Arrest Systems for Residential Construction Contractors

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# Keep Your Workers Safe Any Fall Can Be Fatal or Debilitating! (cont.) ## The ABC's of PFAS A PFAS must meet specific requirements. Some of these are described below. *** ## A - Anchor Point The anchor point (tie-off point) is a secure point of attachment for the fall arrest system's lanyard or lifeline. • Anchor point locations should be planned out before work begins. • The anchor point should be attached to a substantial structural member, such as a beam, girder, roof truss or rafter. • The anchor point must support either 5,000 pounds per worker (the weight of two small cars) or twice the intended load. • When installing anchor points, follow the manufacturer's instructions. A Never use a pipe or vent as an anchor point. Never use sheetrock screws to install an anchor point. ## B - Body Harness A full-body harness is required for a PFAS. The body harness distributes the force of a fall to reduce the chance of bodily injury. It includes shoulder and thigh straps, and a D-ring. A Body belts should never be part of a PFAS. A Make sure that D-rings are larger than the snap hook. Note: The connecting D-ring in a properly fitted harness should be located in the center of the upper back. Locking snap hook Harness Rope D-ring grab Lanyard with shock absorber Lifeline Not all PFAS components are interchangeable. ## C - Connecting Device A retractable lifeline or shock-absorbing lanyard and its connectors are used to link a full-body harness to the anchor system. Never hook lanyards together unless manufacturer approved. ! Shock-absorbing lanyards and retractable lifelines are rarely compatible-do not connect. Different types of connectors include carabiners, snap hooks, D-rings, and rope grabs. Connectors must have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds. ## D - Descent & Rescue You must have a plan for rescuing a worker whose fall has been arrested. • The plan should be designed to raise or lower a worker to safety without any p…

[4] Scaffold Safety for Residential Construction Contractors

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# Keep Your Workers Safe - Any Fall Can Be Fatal! (cont.) ## Pump Jack Scaffold Use wooden poles up to 30 feet; aluminum poles up to 50 feet. Install guardrails. Workbench may serve as top guardrail. Secure poles to house with rigid triangular bracing at the top, bottom, and other points as necessary. Make sure poles are plumb. Platforms should be fully planked and secure. Do not sit or stand on workbench platforms. Caution: Spliced 2"x4" poles often slip when wet. Install mending plates at all splices. ## Carpenter's Bracket Platform must be a minimum of 12 inches wide. Ensure brackets are attached to stud or structural member of building. Install guardrails. ## Tubular Welded Cross brace the scaffold. Secure to building. Beware of electrocution hazard when assembling, using, or dismantling scaffolds near power lines. Call the electric company for assistance. Install guardrails. Provide access ladder. Fully plank all levels to be accessed. Distribute load evenly on platform. Note: Inexpensive guardrail holders are available for all types of scaffolds. ## Electrocution Hazard: Caution: Careful footing is critical for the stability of these scaffolds. ## Ladder Jack: least preferred Do not use over 20 feet in height. Platforms should be a minimum of 12 inches wide. Do not bridge platforms to each other. Secure ladders to prevent slipping. Provide access ladder. Caution: Ladder jacks are the least safe of all staging types. Try to minimize use. OSHA requires personal fall protection to be used on these scaffolds over 10 feet. Caution: Never combine pump jack scaffolds with ladder jacks unless you do not intend to adjust the height of the pump jack. - This brochure only highlights key points. Consult the OSHA standard 29 CFR 29 1926.451 for a complete list of scaffold safety requirements. — Ask your retailer or rental agency for specific assembly and safety instructions for your particular scaffold.

[5] Injuries Are Not Accidents: Construction Will Be Safe When It's Designed to Be Safe (Case Study 4 from Lessons Learned - Solutions for Workplace Safety and Health)

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# Injuries Are Not Accidents: Construction Will Be Safe When It's Designed to Be Safe (cont.) ## NIOSH-FACE Program recommendations for employers to prevent collisions¹ (cont.) CASE STUDY 4: Injuries Are Not Accidents # CASE STUDY 4 — TIMELINE <table><tr><th>YEAR</th><th>EVENT</th></tr><tr><td>1971</td><td>The first OSHA standards are published in the Federal Register on May 29, 1971, including those for construction. Safety and health standards for the construction industry are found in "Part 1926" under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).98</td></tr><tr><td>1973</td><td>The Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) is established to advise OSHA on setting construction standards and policy matters.99</td></tr><tr><td>1978</td><td>At the construction site for a power plant in Willow Island, West Virginia, scaffolding around the cooling tower collapses, killing 51 workers.98</td></tr><tr><td>1978</td><td>In Bridgeport, Connecticut, the collapse of the L'Ambiance Plaza building, under construction, kills 28 workers.98</td></tr><tr><td>1982</td><td>OSHA formally announces the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) to recognize workplaces with exemplary safety and health management systems and designates the first VPP site.100</td></tr><tr><td>1986</td><td>The International Standardization Organization adopts its Quality Management 9000 Series.81</td></tr><tr><td>1988</td><td>The International Labour Organization (ILO) adopts its Safety and Health in Construction Convention (No. 167, 1988).82</td></tr><tr><td>1989</td><td>OSHA issues its voluntary guidelines for safety and health program management. 101</td></tr><tr><td>1990s</td><td>Several major construction safety and health standards are finalized.98</td></tr><tr><td>1994</td><td>OSHA begins its focused inspection initiative for contractors who have established and fully implemented a corporate safety and health program and site-specific plans. 11</td></tr><tr><td>1996</td><td>The I…

[6] FALLS: The Leading Killer on Construction Sites

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## Follow OSHA Regulations OSHA standards are a basis for safe work practices. Complying with them could save your life. Construction Standards CFR 29 Part 1926 Scaffolding Subpart L, 1926.450-454 - Portable Ladders 1926.1053-.1060 Fall Arrest Equipment - 1926.104 Fall Protection Standard - Subpart M 1926.500-503 and appendices ## Stay Alert Always think first and don't take risks. Watch out for others on the job. ## Train Your Workers Make sure that your employees know how to work safely at heights. ## Additional Information Contact the Massachusetts Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Project (MA FACE) or the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) ## MA FACE Project Occupational Health Surveillance Program Massachusetts Department of Public Health [redacted street address] Boston, MA [redacted identifier] (617) 624-5627 ## OSHA Consultation Program Mass. Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Occupational Safety (617) 969-7177 ## OSHA Regional Office JFK Federal Building - Room E340 Boston, MA [redacted postal code] (617) 565-9860 FACE is an occupational injury prevention project conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health; it is not responsible for enforcement of safety standards. FACE investigates workplace fatalities with the aim of identifying risk factors that lead to fatal injury. The FACE Project is funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Many thanks to the contractors and others who helped develop this brochure. # FALLS THE LEADING KILLER ON CONSTRUCTION SITES Massachusetts Department of Public Health Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Project (FACE) FFORD

[7] Fatal Falls Among Massachusetts Construction Workers (2012-2016)

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## Preventing falls in construction. It is not surprising that construction workers are at high risk of falls given the nature of their work. But these falls should not be simply accepted as part of the job. We know how to prevent falls in construction: • Plan ahead to get the job done safely. • Provide the right equipment. • Train everyone to use the equipment safely. Contractors and construction workers and their unions, as well as builders, equipment designers, homeowners - even architects who design our buildings - have critical roles to play in reducing falls in construction. A nationwide campaign to reduce falls in construction is underway. Log on to the campaign website to learn what you can do to make sure that the workers building our homes get to go home. www.stopconstructionfalls.com ## Resources Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Massachusetts Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (MA FACE) Project Fall Prevention Brochures in English, Spanish or Portuguese. • Ladder safety for residential contractors • Scaffold safety for residential contractors • Falls in construction: Myths and facts • Personal fall arrest systems for residential construction Accessible online: www.mass.gov/dph/FACE Hard copies can be ordered from MDPH: (800) 338-5223; [redacted email] ## Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) Safety Training Grants. Grants are available for providing workplace health and safety training to employees and employers. Any company covered by the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Insurance Law is eligible to apply for these grants. www.mass.gov/dia/safety Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) Safety and Health On-site Consultation Program Provides free consultation services to help small employers improve their safety and health programs, indentify hazards and train employees. (617) 969-7177; www.mass.gov/dls The Center for Construction Research and Training Construction health and safe…

[8] LADDER SAFETY - For Residential Construction Contractors

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# Plan Ahead for the Job and Inspect Ladders Before Use First, can the task be done safely from a ladder? If not, use scaffolding or a lift. If using ladders: • Bring the right ladder for the job: self- supporting, straight, or extension ladder. • Check the duty rating label on the ladder. Don't overload. NOTICE AVISO Ladder Size: 6' Duty Rating: Type IA Maximum Load: 300 lbs. Highest standing level: 45 3/8" • Heavy-duty industrial ladders (Type 1 or 1A), can only carry up to 250 or 300 pounds including the worker and their tools. • Check the ladder for loose, cracked or greasy rungs, split side rails, and worn shoes. Make sure the rung locks are in working order. • Tag and remove defective ladders from the job site. • Don't use a ladder in a horizontal position as a scaffold. • Call the electric company for assistance if working near power lines, to prevent electrocution. Fact: It only takes 1 second to hit the ground from a 16-foot fall. Over half of the fatal falls in construction are from heights of less than 25 feet. ## Setting Up Ladders • Clear away debris and obstructions, and block off the area around the bottom of the ladder to prevent it from being bumped into. • Set the ladder on dry, level ground. Use the "heel test" to check firmness of the ground. Stomp your heel down; if it goes into the ground more than 1 inch, a base is needed below the ladder. • If a base is needed, set it on a secure, even surface. Plywood can be used if it is dry, clean and sturdy enough to support the expected load. • Set the base of the ladder at a distance of 1 foot out for every 4 feet high. • When accessing a porch or roof, extend ladder side rails 3 feet above landing. For extra stability, secure the ladder by tying it to the building. • If a ladder must be placed in front of a door, secure the door shut so it cannot open. • Use ladder stabilizers when appropriate. ## Climbing Ladders • Allow only one person on the ladder at a time. Always f…

[9] Fall Prevention in Construction

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SIGILLUM MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF MASSsafety Works! MASSAC LABOR STANDARDS Workplace Safety is No Accident Fall Prevention in Construction FALLS REMAIN THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN CONSTRUCTION In the U.S. during 2022, there were 1,056 fatalities in construction. Of these deaths, 423 were due to falls. ## All falls can be prevented Construction employees exposed to an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by and trained in the use of: Guardrail System Safety Net System Personal Fall Arrest System Thinking about fall hazards before the work begins will help employers to manage fall hazards and focus attention on prevention efforts. If personal fall protection systems are used, particular attention should be given to identifying attachment points and to ensuring that employees know how to properly use and inspect the equipment. Training employees on the proper use of fall protection is critical. Training resources can be found by contacting the fall protection manufacturer and by visiting: osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/evaluation.html Safety Pays Falls Cost PLAN. PROVIDE. TRAIN. Three simple steps to preventing falls. The Department of Labor Standards offers free consultation services designed to help municipal and private employers recognize and control safety and health hazards at their worksites, improve safety and health programs, and assist in training employees. If you would like to learn more about our free consultation services please call us at (508) 616-0461

[10] Fatal Occupational Injuries in Massachusetts 1991-1999

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# Table 9. Rates of Fatal Occupational Injuries by Occupation Groups Massachusetts, 1991-1999 and U.S., 1992-1999 (cont.) ## To prevent falls from ladders: (cont.) • Select and use the proper type of ladder (get the right size and check the duty rating) • Inspect ladder, prior to using, for structural damage, missing or damaged safety devices, substances that could cause slips or falls, and paint or stickers that could hide defects • Tag and remove defective ladders from the work-site - Wear approved fall protection equipment, if applicable • Use ladders only on solid, stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental displacement • Use ladders only as recommended by manufacturer (do not use ladder in a horizontal position as a scaffold, do not have more than one person on the ladder at a time, do not overload, do not work from the top rungs of an extension ladder or the top of a step ladder) Maintain ladders regularly (change shoes and lubricate metal bearings, locks and pulleys) • Train workers on safe use and make sure that they understand and follow safe use of ladders ## To prevent falls from scaffolds: - Select and use the proper type of scaffold for the job • Provide access ladder to scaffolds - Use scaffold grade lumber for all platforms - Install guardrails and toe-boards on all open sides and ends of platforms more than 10 feet above the ground . Make sure that the footing or anchorage for scaffolds is sound, rigid, and capable of carrying four times the maximum intended load, including its own weight • Inspect the scaffolding after erection and before first use • Inspect the scaffolds routinely for consideration of footing (anchorage), parts of the scaffolds, and slippery conditions - Train workers on the safe way to use scaffoldings ## To prevent falls from roofs and buildings: - Install guarding and/or fall protection on all roof openings • Put warning signs on all roof openings • Make cutting the roof openings a…

[11] Scaffold Safety for Residential Construction Contractors

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# Additional Information # SCAFFOLD SAFETY # For Residential Construction Contractors On-site Consultation Program Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (508) 616-0461 www.mass.gov/dols OSHA Regional Office JFK Federal Building- Room E340 Boston, MA [redacted postal code] (617) 565-9860 www.osha.gov Scaffold safety materials and resources at: www.cpwr.com ## The Center for Construction Research and Training ## MA FACE Project Occupational Health Surveillance Program Massachusetts Department of Public Health [redacted street address] Boston, MA [redacted postal code] (617) 624-5627 www.mass.gov/dph/FACE FACE is an occupational injury prevention project conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. FACE is not responsible for the enforcement of safety standards. FACE investigates workplace fatalities to identify risk factors that lead to fatal injury in order to prevent future deaths. The FACE Project is funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Many thanks to the contractors and others who helped develop this brochure. Last updated 5/2012 Massachusetts Department of Public Health Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Project NWEALTH OF TMENT # Keep Your Workers Safe - Any Fall Can Be Fatal! Scaffolds can provide a safer and more efficient way to work than ladders, but they must be set up properly. The majority of construction workers who fall to their death in Massachusetts fall from scaffolds. As you can see from the examples below, falls can happen to anyone: experienced, inexperienced, young, or old. A 29-year-old carpenter fell 19 feet to his death from an unguarded carpenter's bracket scaffold attached to a window frame of a home. The carpenter was scraping snow off the roof. He slipped off the platform as snow accumulated around his feet. A 69-year-old mason renovating a single family home fell 20 feet from an unguarded pipe scaffold. The staging was set 10 feet fro…

[12] Injuries Are Not Accidents: Construction Will Be Safe When It's Designed to Be Safe (Case Study 4 from Lessons Learned - Solutions for Workplace Safety and Health)

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# Injuries Are Not Accidents: Construction Will Be Safe When It's Designed to Be Safe (cont.) ## NIOSH-FACE Program recommendations for employers to prevent collisions¹ (cont.) WORL Falls are the most frequent cause of fatal injuries among construction workers in the United States. ©2010 Earl Dotter equipment." Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and tag readers are one such collision warning tech- nology: each worker on foot wears a small RFID tag, each piece of mobile equipment is equipped with a tag reader, and the equipment operator receives a warning when a tag is sensed. 1.94 OSHA and NIOSH are part of the Roadway Work Zone Safety and Health Alliance, which includes these six other partners from the employers' and employees' or- ganizations: American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), LIUNA Education and Train- ing Fund, and National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA).95 The Alliance provides construction industry employers, workers (including Spanish-speaking and other high-risk or hard-to-reach workers), and others with information, guidance, and training resources spe- cifically to reduce and prevent exposures to roadway work zone safety and health hazards (e.g. flagger safety, safer deployment of traffic control and direction devices, safer night work precautions, work zone speeding control as well as runover/backover control).95 The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse is located at http://www.workzonesafety.org-many tools and documents developed by the Alliance are at this site. An important overall strategy to prevent collisions in worksites is an Internal Traffic Control Plan to design worksite traffic patterns in such a way that the amount of vehicle backing is reduced and the exposure of workers on foot to vehicles is minimized.⁹6 Collisions happen …

[13] Fatal Falls Among Massachusetts Construction Workers (2007-2011)

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# Chart 2. Fatal Falls to a Lower Level in the Construction Industry by Height of Fall Massachusetts, 2007-2011 (N=39) (cont.) ## Preventing falls in construction. It is not surprising that construction workers are at high risk of falls given the nature of their work. But these falls should not be simply accepted as part of the job. We know how to prevent falls in construction: • Plan ahead to get the job done safely. • Provide the right equipment. • Train everyone to use the equipment safely. Contractors and construction workers and their unions, as well as builders, equipment designers, homeowners - even architects who design our buildings - have critical roles to play in reducing falls in construction. A nationwide campaign to reduce falls in construction is underway. Log on to the campaign website to learn what you can do to make sure that the workers building our homes get to go home. www.stopconstructionfalls.com ## Resources Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Massachusetts Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (MA FACE) Project Fall Prevention Brochures in English, Spanish or Portuguese. • Ladder safety for residential contractors • Scaffold safety for residential contractors • Falls in construction: Myths and facts - Personal fall arrest systems for residential construction (soon to be available) Accessible online: www.mass.gov/dph/FACE Hard copies can be ordered from MDPH: (800) 338-5223; [redacted email] ## Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (MDIA) Safety Training Grants. Grants are available for providing workplace health and safety training to employees and employers. Any company covered by the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Insurance Law is eligible to apply for these grants. www.mass.gov/dia/safety Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DOL) Safety and Health On-site Consultation Program Provides free consultation services to help small employers improve their safety and health programs…

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Hazards associated with opening an HSI crusher

Safe Work Procedure: Opening an HSI Crusher Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME] 1. Scope This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary safety precautions and procedures to be followed when opening a Horizontal Shaft Impactor

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