ACCIDENT SUMMARY No. 32 Accident Type: Falling from Excavator Bucket Weather Conditions: Clear Type of Operation: Plumbing Contractor Size of Work Crew: 4 Collective Bargaining Yes Competent Safety Monitor on Site: No Safety and Health Program in Effect: Yes Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: Yes Training and Education Provided: Yes Employee Job Title: Plumber Age & Sex: 68-Male Experience at this Type of Work: 22 Years Time on Project: 2 Days BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT Two plumbers working in a trench were being hoisted to the street level in the bucket of an excavator. As the excavator operator started to swing the bucket it jerked causing one employee to fall approximately 14 feet striking his head on the pipe in the trench. INSPECTION RESULTS As a result of its investigation OSHA issued a citation alleging one serious violation. ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS A work rule prohibiting employees from riding in the bucket of an excavator should be effectively communicated and enforced. Employees must be instructed in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to their work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury (29 CFR 1926.21 (b)(2)). When employees are required to be in trenches four feet deep or more, an adequate means of exit such as a ladder or steps, shall be provided (29 CFR 1926.652). SOURCES OF HELP Construction Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 2207) which contains all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations covering construction. OSHA Safety and Health Training Guidelines for Construction (available from the National Technical Information Service -- Order No. PB-239-312/AS) comprised of set of 15 guidelines to help construction employers establish a training program in the safe use of equipment, tools and machinery the job. OSHA-funded free onsite consultation services. Consult your telephone directory for the number of your local OSHA area or regional office for further assistance and advice (list under the U.S. Department of Labor or under the state government section where states administer the own OSH programs). Courses in construction safety are offered by the OSHA Training Institute, 1555 Times Dr., Des Plaines, Ill. 60018 (312) 297-4810. NOTE:  The case here described was selected as being representative of fatalities caused by improper work practices. No special emphasis or priority is implied nor is the case necessarily a recent occurrence. The legal aspects of the incident have been resolved, and the case is now closed.