On Thursday, May 17, 2012, at approximately 12:00 p.m., a 57-year-old mechanic was killed at a coal preparation plant. The victim was standing on a 14-foot fiberglass extension ladder when it became unstable and slid across an I-beam. He fell down an adjacent hoist well opening 39 feet to the concrete floor below. He was attempting to cut and remove a 12-inch hoist beam located above the third floor in the plant.
Best Practices
- Use fall protection when working in an elevated position and securely tie-off where the danger of falling exists.
- Ensure all workers are adequately trained in the use of fall protection and restraint devices.
- Examine fall protection equipment and personal protective equipment before each use. Ensure that defective equipment is replaced.
- Use a ladder only on a stable and level surface, unless it has been secured (top or bottom) to prevent displacement.
- Properly position ladders to ensure that footing is secure, that the ladder is resting in a manner that prevents movement, and that the ladder is protected from being struck by moving objects.
- Keep your body centered between the rails of the ladder at all times. Do not lean too far to the side while working.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf).