Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Indiana: Laborer Dies Following a 13-Foot Fall From Roof of City Garage

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Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Indiana: Laborer Dies Following a 13-Foot Fall From Roof of City Garage

A 36-year-old male roofer (the decedent) died 10 days after sustaining severe injuries from a 13-foot fall from the roof of a city garage. The decedent and one co-worker neither of whom were using fall protection equipment, were installing a new sheet metal roof on the garage. Gusty winds caught a piece of sheet metal roofing they were carrying and swept the decedent off the edge of the roof. As the decedent fell from the roof, he struck a dumpster with his head and torso before striking the asphalt pavement below. He sustained severe head injuries and other internal injuries. The decedent was transported to a large area hospital where he died 10 days later. The FACE investigator concluded that in order to prevent similar occurrences, employers should: (1) Provide fall protection equipment and ensure that it is worn by all employees working at elevations when the potential for a serious fall exists; (2) Ensure that employees work at elevations only when the weather conditions are suitable for the work task at hand; (3) Encourage workers to actively participate in workplace safety including the recognition and avoidance of unsafe work conditions.