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In the U.S., more than 800 construction workers die
every year while on the job.
Being struck by vehicles, heavy equipment, and other
objects is the top cause of injuries and the second
cause of death for construction workers,
killing more than 150 workers in 2009.
One of the most deadly construction hazards is
being struck by cranes and crane parts.
But these injuries and deaths can be prevented.
The video you are about to see shows how quickly
struck-by accidents at construction sites can
lead to worker deaths.
The video will also show what employers must do
so that the work can be done more safely.
Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace
and required protective equipment.
You'll see that taking the right protective steps saves lives.
Please be advised.
The scenes you are about to see deal with deaths at
construction sites and might be disturbing
for some people.
All scenes are based on true stories.
A driver was delivering a load of steel beams
to a job site.
After positioning his flatbed truck as directed,
he stood near the hydraulic crane that was offloading
the truck to watch the operation.
The company operating the crane had secured the area
using vehicles and two strategically placed
workers to keep out unauthorized personnel.
However, no barricades were in place to stop workers
from coming within the crane's swing radius.
The driver was allowed to stay in the secured area
because he was a friend and knew the operator.
Before the unloading began, the driver moved
closer to the crane, now within range of
the crane's swing radius and out of the line
of sight of the crane operator.
Suddenly, the crane operator began moving the crane,
positioning it for the offloading operation.
Within seconds, the truck driver was crushed between
the crane's counterweight and the right rear outrigger.
He died later that day from serious injuries to his
chest and internal organs.
Let's look at the events leading up to this tragic
incident, and see how it could have been prevented.
This worksite did not have the necessary controls
in place to protect workers.
The radius of the crane's superstructure was not
barricaded and the flatbed driver was allowed to remain
in what was supposed to be a secured area.
Let's look again at the work area.
Now a temporary barricade—including three-inch
caution tape—is in place to prevent workers
from coming too close to the swing radius of the crane.
In addition to the barriers, employers should make
sure crane and/or superstructure movement occurs
only when an "all clear" signal is given
to the operator.
Now, as the crane begins to move, no worker
is within the swing radius and no contact occurs.
This example shows the importance of employers following
OSHA standards to ensure that workers are
provided with a safe workplace.
These types of construction deaths are preventable.
The protection measures shown here save workers' lives.
Use these protections on the job:
it could be the difference between life and death.
If you would like more information,
contact OSHA at www.osha.gov
or 1-800-321-OSHA
that's 1-800-321-6742