February, 2007

IWIF is committed to helping our policyholders and their employees work safely on the job. As an update service to our customers, we want to alert you to some recent catastrophic injuries reported to IWIF during the past few months. In addition, we want to share general guidelines to prevent these types of accidents from happening again.

Note: These are just a sampling of recent severe injuries reported to IWIF and are summarized as a general advisory only. Some of these exposures may or may not be applicable to your workplace. Please share these injury alerts with your employees during a Toolbox Talk or safety meeting. Our hope is that sharing these alerts will emotionally remind workers of the important and basic message that workplace safety saves lives.


Worker falls two stories through a duct vent opening
Auto mechanic suffers burns while repairing a vehicle fuel pump
Worker falls 20 feet from scaffolding into a ditch
Doorman struck and backed over by vehicle
Worker in a mechanical lift bucket strikes his head on balcony
Painter suffers leg fractures in a fall from 8-foot stepladder

Prevention guideline: All construction floor or roof openings larger than 2 inches (Skylight openings, stairwell openings, vent openings etc.) should be covered or protected with a secure guardrail. Working at elevated heights requires the worker to wear a full-body safety fall arrest harness securely attached to a sound/strong structure. A preferred and safer method is to use mechanical lifts or mechanical platforms where possible.

Auto mechanic suffers burns while repairing a vehicle fuel pump

A 41-year old worker suffered 2nd degree burns to approximately 18% of his body (arm, hand, leg) when fuel in the pump ignited on the car he was repairing. The injured worker was taken to Baltimore’s Bayview Burn Unit. Initial reports indicate that his toxicology screen was positive for various drugs.

Prevention guideline: First: Employers are reminded of the importance of having a workplace drug-testing program. Employees who abuse drugs while on the job are more likely to have a workplace injury. Second: Vehicle fuel tanks and fuel pumps must be drained/siphoned completely and time must be allowed for residual vapor to dissipate before attempting any type of repair/replacement of a vehicle fuel pump. Fuel lines must be drained and properly disconnected. No source of ignition, spark or flame can be present when making these types of repairs. Cleanup and remove all spilled fuel and fuel soaked rags from the work area prior to beginning work. Position a fire extinguisher within easy reach. If you are not sure that all fuel is removed, have a second person standby with the fire extinguisher in case of a spark or fire while the repairs are being done.

Prevention guideline: First: Scaffolds must be installed and placed on a solid and level surface. Do not place/erect scaffolds on fill dirt, sand, loose gravel, ground disturbed by excavation or uneven or wet ground. Please review OSHA’s safety standards for detailed scaffolding erection safety. Second: Working at elevated heights such as on scaffolds requires structurally secure railings, mid rails and toe boards on the scaffolds, and for the scaffold workers to wear a full-body safety fall arrest harness securely attached to a sound/strong structure. Jim I need to make sure that this is correct. A preferred and safer method is to use mechanical lifts or mechanical platforms. Make sure new and young workers are properly trained to work safely on scaffolds.

Prevention guideline: Employers can remind their workers who face similar exposures with accepting deliveries or helping residents or patients from vehicles that the delivery vehicle must be turned off. At a minimum, the vehicle must be placed in “park” with the emergency brake applied. Make sure the driver “sees you and knows where you are at all times around the vehicle.”

Prevention guideline: Working in an elevated mechanical lift bucket requires the bucket operator's full attention and unobstructed vision when maneuvering. There are numerous potential environmental worksite hazards to be aware of including: power lines, tree branches, support cables, signs and building outcroppings. Personal protective equipment such as hardhats and eye goggles must be worn. When possible, have a competent co-worker act as a ground spotter for potential hazards. Younger or inexperienced workers must be trained and supervised in the safe and proper use of power lift equipment.

Prevention guideline: Working on ladders, including stepladders, presents the constant hazard known as gravity! Remind your workers of these basic ladder safety tips:

   - Don’t over reach when working on a ladder
   - Never stand on the top platform/last rung of a ladder
   - Always maintain 3-point contact with the ladder
   - Never use a broken or defective ladder
   - Always place the ladder on a sturdy, level surface.