Fall Causes Fatal Head Injury

A fall from 25 feet (7.5 meters) killed a construction worker.

The worker had been spraying foam used to seal the insulation material attached to the trusses of the structure, when the sheet of insulation he was walking on broke. The victim attempted to grab an I-beam. However, he failed and fell to the ground, landing on his head and shoulder. The victim died several hours later. No fall protection devices were in place.

• How often have you continued doing a procedure the same way you’ve always done it even though you have learned it is not the safest way?
• What well-established work practices in your company have been reviewed with an eye toward increased safety?