Crawling Board Breaks

A broken crawling board sent two workers to the ground, where one died and the other received multiple injuries. The two workers were painting a barn roof. They were using a crawling board, also known as a chicken ladder, to move around on the roof. It broke near the spot where it was secured at the top.

Climbing devices such as crawling boards must be designed to safe specifications so they can do the job they are supposed to do. As well, these workers should have been protected by fall arresting equipment attached to a lifeline.