Solar Panel Installer Dies from Fall
On the day of the accident, the victim and his co-worker were carrying and installing electrical solar panels on the roof of a warehouse. The roof contained skylights, which were marked by the manufacturer as %u201Ctested in accordance%u201D with OSHA fall protection standards. The general contractor had reviewed the job safety requirements including fall protection plans. Based on the information that the skylights had been tested in accordance with OSHA standards, no other fall protection measures were implemented at the job site. There are currently no uniform test criteria to determine material strength of skylights to withstand worker impact. The solar panels were boxed and placed on the roof by a crane. Each panel was approximately 2 feet wide by 4 feet long, and weighed 24 pounds. The victim and co-worker were carrying two panels at a time. As they approached a skylight, they had to maneuver around it with only 18 inches of clearance. The victim turned and walked backwards, tripping on the raised edge of the skylight. He landed on the skylight in a sitting position and then, without warning, the plastic dome
glazing broke. As the victim started to fall, a co-worker reached out and tried to grab his foot, but was unable to reach him in time. The victim fell approximately 40 feet to the warehouse floor below. Numerous workers with radios immediately called the office to report the incident and those with cell phones immediately called 911. The paramedics and fire department responded within minutes and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
What went wrong? What caused this fatality? How could this accident have been prevented? Provide at least three recommendations.