Construction intelligence report

Analysis of construction injury and ill health intelligence The Construction Intelligence Report gives: background data on the construction industry, analysis of statistics, research and information from other sources on construction injuries and ill health, and fatal accident pen-pictures./analysis of construction fatal accidents over an eight year period 1997/98 to 2004/05.

1. Introduction:
The introduction gives details of the various sources of accident and ill health information which are available in construction.

2. Background:
This section gives detailed background information on the construction industry together with details of progress towards meeting the RHS and industry accident/ill health targets.

3. Main trends:
This section gives the current trends in fatal accidents together with reported major and over-3-day injuries. There is also information on ill health and lost time performance in construction.

4. Research/other data sources:

This section gives the details and results of recent intelligence research projects in construction. There are also details of other sources of accident and ill health data.

5. Fatal accident pen-pictures and analysis: (Appendix)

This section includes the fatal accident pen-pictures together with the associated charts which show the detailed analysis of the accidents into the various categories. The fatal accidents are broken down by kind and include further charts giving an analysis of the accidents within the accident kind categories.

Charts are based on an analysis of the fatal accident summaries unless otherwise stated.

Detailed Index:
1. Introduction 2. Background Nature of construction industry Table 1 Work by value 2000/04 Chart 2 % change in injury rates since 1999/2000 Chart 3 % change in injury rates since 2000/1 Chart 4 3. Main Trends Trends in Fatal Injuries Chart 5 Fatal Injuries by kind of accident Chart 6 Fatal and Major injuries by trade Chart 7 Major Injuries Chart 8 Major Injuries by kind of accident Chart 9 Over 3 day Injuries Chart 10 Reportable Injuries by job tenure Chart 11 Ill health and lost time Ill health data for construction Chart 12 4. Research Results of Bomel Phase 1 Results of Bomel Phase 2 Results of Bomel RIDDOR Results of Loughborough Results of FISCA Results of BMRB Omnibus Survey Other data sources 5. Appendix : Fatal accident summaries Fatal accidents by Work Activity Chart 13 Fatal accidents by Project Type Chart 14 Fatal accidents by Site Activity Chart 15 Fatal accidents by CDM Application Chart 16 Fatal accidents by Employer Size Chart 17

Fatal accidents by Site Size Chart 18 Fatal accidents by Public/Private Sector Chart 19 Fatal accidents by Kind of Accident Chart 20 Fatal accidents by Age Chart 21 Fatal accidents by Total Falls Chart 22 Fatal accidents by Falls/Occupation Chart 23 Fatal accidents by Falls/Age Chart 24 Fatal accidents by Falls/Fragile Materials/Occupation Chart 25 Fatal Falls through Fragile Materials Summaries Fatal Falls during Steel Erection Summaries Fatal accidents by Falls/Ladders/Occupation Chart 26 Fatal accidents by Falls/Ladders/Reasons Chart 27 Fatal Falls from Ladders Summaries Fatal accidents by Falls/Edges and Openings/Occupation Chart 28 Fatal Falls from Edges and Openings - Summaries Fatal accidents by Falls/Scaffold/Occupation Chart 29 Fatal Falls from Scaffolds and Work Platforms Summaries Fatal accidents by Total Transport Chart 30 Transport Fatal accidents involving Reversing Summaries Transport Fatal accidents involving Overturning Summaries Transport Fatal accidents involving Road Transport Vehicles Summaries Transport Fatal accidents involving Site Plant Summaries Fatal accidents by Total Electricity Chart 31 Electrical Fatal accidents Summaries Fatal accidents by Total Struck By Chart 32 Struck By Fatal accidents involving falls of load/equipment Summaries Fatal accidents by Demolition/Collapse Chart 33 Struck By Fatal accidents involving Demolition/Collapse Summaries Struck By Fatal accidents involving Falls of Earth Summaries Fatal accidents by Total Miscellaneous Chart 34

Miscellaneous Fatal accidents involving Struck Against Summaries Miscellaneous Fatal accidents involving Machinery Summaries Miscellaneous Fatal accidents involving Slips, Trips and Falls Summaries Miscellaneous Fatal accidents involving Fire and Explosion Summaries Miscellaneous Fatal accidents involving Asphyxiation/Drowning - Summaries Fatal accidents by MoPs/Causes Chart 35

Introduction 1 Traditional Blackspot reports have confined themselves to a detailed breakdown only of construction fatal accidents and relatively little analysis. Most of these have been confined to factors which had a direct influence on the accident, and tend to be hardware/site related. The fatal accident penpictures and related analysis in this report have been enhanced to extract the maximum possible information from the RIDDOR/FOCUS/Investigation Reports. The source of information has also been expanded to include analysis from the fatal accidents database. Charts based on these analyses are included in the fatal accident summaries in the Appendix. In addition, the opportunity has been taken to present an analysis of both fatal and non-fatal accidents, and to include the findings of research and statistical work which has been carried out to improve the Construction Divisions (CDs) intelligence base. 2 It is important that CD takes a more holistic approach to intelligence than traditional Blackspot reports can provide, because: (a) Fatal accident figures alone can give a distorted picture of risk (for instance, there are few handling and slips & trips fatalities but, together, these make up more than 50% of all construction accidents); (b) The RHS and Construction Industry targets are based on a combination of fatal and major injuries (over 3-day injuries are not included in the targets though they will be mentioned in this report); 3 Ill health needs to be considered, despite the lack of extensive and reliable data. Both ill health, and the significant lost time it causes, are included in the RHS and Construction Industry targets. 4 There are 3 main aspects to CD intelligence: (a) Statistics as shown on the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/industry/index.htm - con and http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/pdf/rhscon.pdf; (b) Intelligence from inspector reports. At present, quantitative intelligence is limited to Risk Control Indicator (RCI) scores. These have only been

available for the last few years, so any conclusions drawn from them may be less than entirely reliable; however, they can be used in conjunction with other forms of intelligence to form a larger picture. There has also been qualitative intelligence from reflective reports, which has informed the development of the Construction Programme; (c) Research, which has provided a great deal of both qualitative and quantitative information on accident causation, and this will be referred to widely in the report.

Background Nature of construction industry Chart 1 Work by value Chart 2 % change in injury rates since 1999/2000 Chart 3 % change in injury rates since 2000/1 Chart 4 5 Construction has one of the highest accident rates of all industries in the UK and in other parts of the world. However, whilst we have reliable information on fatal injuries (71 in 2004/05p), non-fatal RIDDOR reports are subject to significant under-reporting, which is currently around 70% for all construction workers, ie around 30% reported. This implies that there are in fact about 40,000 reportable construction accidents each year, rather than around 4000 major and 9,000 over 3-day accidents actually reported. Reporting levels for employees are about 50% but levels are very low for the self-employed at around 5%. Consequently, HSE statisticians quote numbers for selfemployed injuries, but derive rates for major and over-3-day (O3D) injuries for employees. All these figures for under-reporting are estimates, and are based on a sample of around 7000 construction workers who are interviewed each year as part of the Office of National Statistics Labour Force Surveys (LFS). 6 The issue is further complicated in construction by the nature of selfemployment. Research by UMIST suggests that only 10-20% of the 700,000 self-employed quoted in official figures (out of a total workforce in excess of 2m) actually work on their own. This ties in with the 70,000 single-person contractors recognised in DTI statistics.

Nature of the construction industry - Table 1 The United Kingdom's construction industry contributed over 100 billion in 2004 to gross domestic product (8.5%); the output value of the sector has increased by over 20% since 1995. Construction has a workforce of over two million people across 170-200,000 firms. Nearly 90 per cent of these companies employ ten workers or fewer and are therefore micro-SMEs. The number of companies has declined by 20,000 since 1993, though there was an increase in micro-SMEs in 2003. 70,000 are single-employee companies (the true self-employed?). The table below shows the reduction in output by smaller firms and a corresponding increase in the output of larger firms over a period of 4 years:

Percentage Work Output Value by Company Size 2001- 2004

Size 1 2 to 3 4 to 7 8 to 13 14 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 59 60 to 79 80 to 114 115 to 299 300 to 599 600 to 1199 1200+

2001 6 11 10 7 9 6 6 3 5 11 6 9 12

2002 3 3 7 8 9 5 10 4 5 14 7 9 15

2003 3 5 8 8 8 4 9 4 5 12 7 7 18

2004 2 4 6 7 8 5 9 5 6 14 8 7 19

(DTI Construction Statistics 2005)

Targets

In a survey of construction workers published in October 2003, 41% of those in the construction industry had been with their current employer for less than a year and 52% had been working on their current contract for 6 weeks or less There are some 225,000 construction professionals involved in 24,000 firms. Almost 30% of construction work is carried out for public and/or infrastructure clients. Public and private housing is predicted to increase by up to 20% a year, whereas commercial, industrial and infrastructure work is likely to increase less dramatically. The top 4 clients are DH, DTp, MoD and Network Rail, who have each spent >1bn over the past year. The variation over time of work by value in various sectors of the industry is shown below:

Work by value 2000/04 - Chart 2

12,500 12,000 11,500 11,000 10,500 10,000 9,500 9,000 8,500 8,000 7,500 7,000 6,500 6,000 5,500 5,000 4,500 4,000 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 2000 2001 2002 2003p

(DTI Construction Statistics 2005)

Private Housing Private Offices Shops Roads Private entertainment Other infrastructure Schools & Colleges Public agriculture, misc Private factories Public housing Public health Water Private warehouses Private schools, universities Public offices Public universities 2004p Private health

Some 25% of construction work is domestic repair and maintenance (R&M), with all R&M making up about half of total output. Almost half the domestic work is glazing. The highest demand for household R&M is in the SE (excl Greater London), with the 2nd highest in the NW. This type of work attracts micro-SMEs with <4 employed, who carry out 75% of the work; only half have professional affiliations. 7 These problems have implications for the measurement of progress against

the Revitalising and industry targets, viz to: (a) (RHS target) reduce the incidence rate of fatal and major injury accidents by 5 per cent (2004/05) and 10 per cent (2009/10). The industry target is for a 40% and 66% reduction, respectively.

(b)

(RHS target) reduce the number of working days lost per 100,000 workers from work-related injury and ill health by 15 per cent (2004/05) and 30 per cent (2009/10). The industry target is for a 20% and 50% reduction, respectively.

(c)

(RHS target) reduce the incidence rate of cases of work-related ill health by 10 per cent (2004/05) and 20 per cent (2009/10). The industry target is for a 20% and 50% reduction, respectively.

8 The RHS injury target is very difficult to measure accurately because a 1% change each year cannot be reliably determined through RIDDOR reports (due to changes in reporting levels) or through LFS (because the sample sizes are too small to detect such changes). Progress on the more ambitious industry injury target can be more accurately assessed, though it depends on the measurement criteria used. 9 In the charts below, we have compared the performance of the industry over time by the change in rates of reported injury. This takes account of changing employment levels, and is a more accurate indicator than numbers of injuries. Chart 3 shows progress on fatal, major and O3D injury rates compared to the 1999/2000 baseline, whereas Chart 4 shows the same rate changes since the 2001Summit. Although the RHS target is for fatal and major injuries (MIs), the relatively small fatal injury rate has little effect on the rates for employee MIs only. Reporting for employees has changed a small amount from 52% in 1999/2000 to 50% in 2002/03, whereas the rate of reported major injury has dropped by over 10% in the same period. The other indicators are showing downwards trends - rate of over 3 day injury by 14%, and the Labour Force Survey by 10%. And the rates of major and over 3 day injury fell in 2003/04. The LFS is not subject

to underreporting, and alongside the major and over 3 day injury rates, shows a general reduction in the rate of injury in construction. % change in reported injury rates since 1999/2000 Chart 3

30.0 20.0 10.0 0.0 -10.0 -20.0 -30.0 -40.0 -50.0

99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05p

% MI (employees) rate change % fatal rate change (Workers) % Employee over 3-day rate change % RHS target % Industry Target

Source: RIDDOR accident rates 1999/00 to 2004/05p

% change in reported injury rates since 2000/1 - Chart 4

0.0 -5.0 -10.0 -15.0 -20.0 -25.0 -30.0 -35.0 -40.0 -45.0
00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05p

% MI (employees) rate change % fatal rate change (Workers) % Employee over 3-day rate change % Industry Target % RHS target

Source: RIDDOR accident rates 2000/01 to 2004/05p

These charts show a significant improvement in fatal injury rates, following the high number (105 plus 8 members of the public) in 2000/1. The rates of MI

and O3D injury lie between the RHS and industry targets. Main trends Trends in Fatal Injuries Chart 5 Fatal Injuries by kind of accident Chart 6 Fatal and Major injuries by trade Chart 7 Major Injuries Chart 8 Major Injuries by kind of accident Chart 9 Over 3 day Injuries Chart 10 Reportable Injuries by job tenure Chart 11 Ill health and lost time Ill health data for construction Chart 12
Fatal injuries The rate of fatal injury to workers is 25% lower in 2003/04p compared to the base year 1999/2000 (and the lowest incidence rate ever). The rate of reported major injury to employees shows a clear downward trend over the last 5 years (and since the year before the 1999/2000 base year). The rate in 2003/04p is 15% lower than in the base year and 12% lower than the Summit year of 2000/2001. The rate of reported over-3-day injury to employees has fallen steadily over a 5-year period from 1999/2000 . It is 25% lower in 2003/04p than in the base year and 18% lower since the Summit. Levels of reporting non-fatal injury to workers (as measured by the LFS rate) has decreased from 52% in 1999/2000 to 50% in 2002/3. Although there is no clear improvement in reporting rates, recent trends in the LFS support the reduction in reported injury rates

Reported major injuries

Reported over-3-day injuries

Reporting levels.

Trends in Fatal Injuries Chart 5

Fatal Injuries to Workers in Construction April 1989 to March 2005

200 9 8 Fatal Accident rate 150 7 6 Fatals 5 100 4 3 50 2 1 0
1989/90 1990/91 1991/92 1992/93 1993/94 1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05p Injury figures for 1996/7 cannot be compared directly with previous year's figures

10 .There were 70 fatal injuries to workers in 2003/4, the same as for 2002/3. 51 employees were killed and 19 self-employed. However there are more workers in the industry and potentially at risk and so the rate has fallen to 3.5 - the lowest rate on record. The rate has fallen 25% since the baseline of 1999/2000 and 40% since the 2001 Construction Health and Safety Summit. 11.Falls account for around half of all fatalities, a proportion which is regrettably fairly typical; the other main causes, in almost equal numbers, were transport, electricity and collapse. Details of fatal accidents are given in the appendix to this document.

Fatal injuries by Kind of accident Chart 6

Number of fatal injuries to workers in construction, by kind of accident, from 1996/97 to 2004/05p, combined

Falls from a height

360

Struck by moving, inc flying/falling object

102

Struck by moving vehicle

76

Contact with electricity or electrical discharge Trapped by something collapsing/overturning 0 50

56

58

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

Number of fatal injuries

Fatal and Major Injuries by Trade Chart 7

Num ber of fatal and m ajor injuries to w orkers in construction, 2004/05p

Construction labourers nec Woodw orking trades Construction operatives n e c Electrical/electronic trades Bricklayers, masons Construction trades n e c Plumbers, heating and ventilating engineers Scaffolders, stagers, steeplejacks, riggers Roofers, roof tilers and slaters Painters and decorators 0 100 237 223 186 180 179 163 200 300 400 500 600 700 361 425 478

802

800

900

Num ber of fatal & m ajor injuries

Major injuries Chart 8

Major Injury Accidents to Employees in Construction April 1989 to March 2005

400 5000 350 4000 300 250 Majors 3000 200 2000 150 100 1000 50 0 0 1989/90 1990/91 1991/92 1992/93 1993/94 1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05p Injury figures 1996/7 cannot be compared directly with previous year's figures because of the introduction of RIDDOR 95 Major Accident rate

12 The total reported major injuries to employees for 2003/04p is 4001. However, the rate of major injury to employees fell to 335.1 per 100,000; this incidence rate is the lowest since the definition of a major injury was changed in 1996/7. 13 This reduction continues the general downward trend in the rate seen since 1998/99. In particular, this rate fell by 12% since the Summit of 2001 and 15% since the 99/00 RHS baseline. This exceeds the RHS target for the 4 years to 2003/4 (4%), but is short of the industrys more challenging targets (which would have produced a 34.4% reduction in this period). 14 Falls from a height account for around a third of all major injuries in construction, with almost equal proportions of high and low falls. The other main causes were slips and trips, struck by moving object and manual handling in that order. Even so, in the last 3 years, there has been a significant reduction in the number of reported fall accidents in construction. Whilst some of this has been due to coding changes, which have led to an apparent increase in slips and trips at the expense of falls, there has been a reduction in both this year. The reduction in falls therefore appears to be genuine and is borne out by inspector RCI scores

which suggest an improvement in the control of fall risks. This also applies to over-3-day fall injuries. Major Injuries by kind of accident Chart 9
Number of major injuries to employees in Construction, by kind of accident, 1996/97 - 2003/04p

Number of major injuries 1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0

Falls from a height 1996/97 1997/98

1998/99

1999/00

Slips, trips or falls on the same level 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 Injured while handling, lifting or carrying

2003/04p

Struck by moving, including flying/falling object Contact with moving machinery

Over-3-day Injuries Chart 10

Over 3 Day Accidents to Employees in Construction April 1989 to March 2005 22500 1600 20000 1400 17500 Over 3 Day Accidents 1200 15000 12500 10000 7500 5000 2500 0 1000 800 600 400 200 0 1989/90 1990/91 1991/92 1992/93 1993/94 1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05p Injury figures 1996/7 cannot be compared directly with previous year's figures because of introduction of RIDDOR 95 Over 3 Day rate

15 The rate of reported over-3-day injuries to employees is the lowest ever at 683.6 per 100,000. There were 8162 injuries in 2003/04p; more than a

third of these involved handling, lifting or carrying. Research by Bomel and Loughborough University (see para 20 (c) & (d)) both cited these issues as the main causes of site injury. 16 Since the Summit, the over-3-day accident rate has fallen 18%, and 25% since the RHS baseline year. Reportable Injuries by job tenure Chart 11
Annualised rate of reportable workplace injury by job tenure in construction, based on the Labour Force Survey of the last 5 years: 1998/99 - 2002/03

Less than 6 months 6-11 months 12 months to less than 2 years 2 years but less than 5 5 years or more 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000

Annualised rate of reportable workplace injury

Ill health and lost time 17 Estimates from Self-reported Work-related Ill health survey (SWI 2003/04) suggest that the current overall prevalence rate of ill health ascribed to the current or most recent job in the construction industry is 4400 per 100,000 people working in the last 12 months, which equates to 96,000 suffering from work-related ill health in 2003/04 (137,000 in 2001/2). This rate is similar to the 2001/02 baseline figure (4500 per 100,000) but above the average 2003/04 rate of 3700 per 100,000 for all industries. SWI 2001/2 showed construction as having amongst the highest prevalence rates for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) for people working in the last 8 years. Although recent estimates suggest a fall in the incidence rate of MSD overall, RCI scores by inspectors show that this risk is poorly controlled in construction. Also, in research by Bomel (see para 20 (c)), many respondents indicated that they felt that a lack of manual handling training contributed to handling accidents.

18 The estimated total time lost per annum in 2000-02 was 4 million1 days (around 2.8m from work-related ill health and the balance of 1.2m from workplace injuries). In 2001/02, the estimated loss to employers was between 100 million and 180 million from ill health and 140m from injuries. However, it is estimated that non-injury accidents cost the industry between 0.4 billion and 1.6 billion, giving a total estimate of between 0.7 billion and 1.9 billion from all accidents and ill health that occurred in 2001/02. 19 The forthcoming Workplace Health and Safety Survey (WHASS) should provide a better indication of performance against the ill health and lost time baselines, as will the similar construction-specific survey. Details of ill health prevalence and incidence rates are given in the table below and in the document at http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/industry/factcon.pdf.

Combines estimates for injuries and ill health from different dates, and using somewhat different methodologies.

Ill health data from a range of sources for the construction industry, also showing all industry total Chart 12
Sources THOR (Specialist and OPRA) (2001-2003)
Estimated Average annual incidence Rate per 100,000 workers per year

THOR (Specialist Only) (20012003)

Estimated Average annual incidence Rate per 100,000 workers per year

SWI2001/02

IIS (2001-2003)
Total New claims (over 3 3 years) Average rate per 100,000 employees

Estimated Prevalence

Rate Per 100 employed in the last 8 years

{ All Musculoskeletal Diseases

Upper Limb Disorders Spine & Back Disorders Contact Dermatitis & Skin Disease Respiratory Disease Audiological Disease Mental Ill Health

395 (7,200) 278 (4,476) 79 (2,129) 175 (2,742) 18 (656) 15 (294) 112 (7,065) 3 (1,425) 990 (8197)* -

23 (31) 15 (19) 4 (9) 10 (12) 2 (3) 1 (1) 7 (30) (6) -

262 (2,229) 201 (1,669) 55 (464) 130 (1,779) 19 (387) (78) 64 (2,576) 1 (1,318) 271 (2480)* -

15 (10) 11 (7) 3 (2) 7 (8) 1 (2) (-) 4 (11) (6) -

88,000 (690,000) 26,000 (249,000) 44,000 (327,000) 8,000 to 17,000 8,000 to 18,000 (452,000) 2,834,000 (28,029,000) 137,000 (1,484,000)

3.6 (2.0) 1.0 (0.72) 1.8 (1.0) 0.32 to 0.70 0.33 to 0.73 (1.3) 5.6 (4.3)

45 (1125) 55 (575) 25 (490) 110 (865) -

1.4 (1.5) 1.6 (0.8) 0.7 (0.6) 3.7 (1.3) -

Infectious Diseases Vibration White Finger1 Headaches or eyestrain Estimated days off work due to work-related illness in 2001/02 Overall Ill health2

405 (6,780) -

13.6 (10.5) -

Bracketed figures are for all industries. 1 THOR data given for VWF show the total number of cases for VWF with the total number of diagnoses for all musculoskeletal diseases in brackets. 2 SWI data relates to illnesses caused or made worse by the current or most recent job in the last 8 years. 3 IIS case figures have been rounded to the nearest 5 for confidentiality reasons. * Awaiting new figures from THOR. A full list of cases and rates tables can be found on: http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/disease.htm

Research Results of Bomel Phase 1 Results of Bomel Phase 2 Results of Bomel RIDDOR Results of Loughborough Results of FISCA Results of BMRB Omnibus Survey Other data sources 20 The commentary in earlier parts of this report has been supplemented by information from the various research projects which have been commissioned to improve understanding of the factors involved in construction accidents. Most are based on RIDDOR reported accidents, but in some cases attempts have been made to extend the scope beyond the statutory reporting arrangements, as in the case of the Loughborough work (see (d) below). The major findings of the projects have been reviewed in an attempt to identify any common themes or suggest any further avenues for investigation. The following provides an outline of the projects and their findings, and includes links to the full reports: (a) Bomel Improving health and safety in construction Phase 1: Data collection, review and structuring (CRR 387). The project covered the collection and review of data used in RIDDOR to help understand the causes of construction accidents, and structure the information on accident causation using the Influence Network (IN) to provide a basis for quantifying risk and the benefits of improvement measures. In particular the Influence Network was used regarding falls from height. The methodology used considers the technical and human activities in construction within site organisation, the corporate approach of the principal parties, and the wider environmental factors such as the regulators influence on the industry. Results of the Bomel Phase 1 Research Although this has been largely superceded by subsequent work, it laid the basis for further analysis using the Influence Network. Whilst this tool was used exclusively to test its effect on falls from height, its findings seemed to have more general implications. These findings related to the major influences on construction health and safety, viz: (a) Market influences; (b) Contracting strategy; (c) Safety management; (d) Procedures;

On the issue of further RIDDOR analysis, the key findings of the report were: Confirmation of the priorities for action identified by HSE and the industry (for example, it confirmed that falls are a major cause of fatalities with ladders and scaffolds being the main agents with scaffolders and roofers continuing to be at most risk); Whilst fatalities occur on sites of all sizes, the majority of fatal accidents happen on smaller construction sites but there is no specific association with time of day, age or geographic region.

(b)

Bomel Improving Health and Safety in Construction Phase 2 (RRs 114, 231-6), includes development of a datatool, application and validation of IN technique across a range of health and safety issues in construction (falls from height, transport, HAVS etc) and investigation of HSEs intervention mechanisms (to be published). Results of the Bomel Phase 2 Research

This research is an extension of Phase 1 to apply the Influence Network (IN) to a range of hazards and develop a generic IN tool. The outputs included: 1. a critical path of influencing factors (Vol 1) see list below; 2. a datatool to enable RIDDOR data to be analysed more effectively (Vol 2) this has been used by Bomel to supplement the IN work and by HSE to provide some of the data for this report; 3. specific influences on falls, HAVS, and construction transport (Vols 3-5) the HAVS and parts of the transport reports differ in their INs in that equipment issues play a more significant part; 4. a generic IN model to be used for any hazard (Vol 6) this is available for industry to use to tailor to specific project hazards; 5. an assessment of HSE mechanisms (Vol 7) this considered options for risk reduction based on mechanisms open to HSE, such as targeting SMEs. The critical path included the following influences: Company culture Health and safety management Health and safety culture Management/supervision Competence Situational awareness Communications Advice and information In addition, there was a subsidiary critical path which culminated in design for safe construction. Targeting these issues is likely to have the greatest effect on health

(c)

Bomel Sample analysis of construction accidents reported to HSE (RR 139). The report presents the results of a telephone survey, conducted on behalf of the Health & Safety Executive, of some 1000 notifiers of major and over-3-day injury construction accidents that occurred between 19 December 2001 and 31 March 2002. The accidents were representative of the kind and severity notified to HSE throughout the 2001/2 year. Results of the Bomel RIDDOR Research

This research explored, in greater depth, some of the factors involved in RIDDOR-reported accidents. The results can be summarised as follows: Biggest single cause of accidents was getting to the workface Single greatest number of injuries = domestic newbuild Majority of clients were repeat clients Private jobs outweighed public ones by 2:1, but no significant difference in performance. Modal length of project was around 1 year . Half projects involved weekend working. Most had independent PS Most designers = architects. Most accidents involved general contractors, M&E, developers and refurb/maintenance/repair The majority of notifying companies had more than 50 staff Mostly directly employed. Modal site number was 2. Modal group had 20 yrs in the trade and had been on site 1-3 mths. Two-thirds had formal qualifications. It was clear from the results that there was a distinct bias in the sample towards larger employers, even though the sample was based on a typical RIDDOR distribution. This was established by comparing the ratio of large/small employers in fatal accident circumstances with the ratio of major and over-3-day accidents in the research sample. The research also looked at coding accuracy of the injuries. It determined that the level of miscoding is almost directly proportional to the number of possible alternative codings. This finding tends to suggest that there is little to gain from increasing the number of coding options, as this would only add to (d) Loughborough - Causal factors in construction accidents (RR 156). This research used a combination of focus groups and detailed study of 100 construction accidents, using an ergonomics systems approach, to identify where safety is compromised and why. Drawing together the

findings, an accident model has been proposed, illustrating the hierarchy of influences in construction accidents. The model describes how accidents arise from a failure in the interaction between the work team, workplace, equipment and materials. These immediate accident circumstances are affected by shaping factors, whereby the actions, behaviour, capabilities and communication of the work team are affected by their attitudes, motivations, knowledge, skills, supervision, health and fatigue. The workplace is affected by site constraints, work scheduling and housekeeping. This model is very similar to the Bomel IN and implies that such models are a realistic representation of the factors which influence accidents and ill health in construction. The report concludes that achieving a sustained improvement in safety in the industry will require concerted efforts directed at all levels in the influence hierarchy. Results of the Loughborough Research This research explored in detail some of the factors involved in 100 accidents. Whilst many of the accidents were minor and non-reportable, there were issues arising which were just as relevant to more serious accidents. In fact, the level of injury was not the major issue in most cases, as more serious injuries could easily have resulted in slightly different circumstances. The results can be summarised as follows: Transferring across site giving rise to significant numbers of accidents; Poor H&S supervision; Untreated ill health and fatigue; Communication too informal (not language); Poor housekeeping, in the broadest sense; Materials (weight, convenience, packaging); Equipment (ergonomics); PPE (overuse, poor, risk homeostasis) Design influence up to 50% H&S education rather than training; Superficial accident investigation by employers; Little client influence. This research has been particularly useful in highlighting the contribution of design to injury and how relatively simple design changes can reduce the severity of injury in up to 25% of cases (more complex changes would be required for a 50% reduction). The research also supported the increased attention being paid to injuries from slips and trips. One important (and, perhaps, counter-intuitive) finding was poor communication was endemic in construction, not restricted to language issues.

(e)

FISCA - An analysis of the significant causes of fatal and major injuries in construction in Scotland (Factors influencing Scottish construction accidents FISCA) (RR 443) This research was carried out by a consortium of research organisations consisting of Bomel Ltd of Maidenhead, the Institute of Employment Research (IER) of the University of Warwick, Coventry and Glasgow Caledonian University. It was commissioned to investigate the reasons why the accident rates for both fatal and major accidents for construction in Scotland are consistently higher than those for GB as a whole. Fatal accident rates to employees are around 50% higher and those for major injuries are around 15% higher. The investigation included a detailed analysis of data from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) by IER and other work involving a Steering Group and key body consultations with associated fieldwork.

Results of the FISCA Research The results can be summarised as follows: The construction workforce in Scotland is significantly different from that in GB as a whole because it has a higher proportion of workers in manual occupations. These manual trades can expect to be more hazardous than non-manual occupations, where there is a greater concentration south of the border. There are other regional/national variations in the proportion of manual workers in construction. North of England region has the highest proportion/injury rates, followed by Wales and Scotland with Yorkshire and Humberside somewhat lower. The high proportion of manual handling accidents suffered by bricklayers identified. There was no evidence to show that the use of sarking board on pitched roofs in Scotland has any effect on accident rates during roofwork. The use of system scaffold in Scotland may be connected with the increased rates of falls from scaffolds by non-scaffolders. The lower rates of accidents to plant operators in Scotland may reflect the enhanced influence of the main/principal contractor there. This, combined with the lower rate of self employment may give rise to more structured/disciplined approach. There was no evidence to show that local dockyards had any effect on the availability of certain construction trades or the higher proportion of public housing in Scotland on accidents in the construction/maintenance of domestic premises.

(f) Results of BMRB Omnibus Construction Workers Survey The Construction Workers Survey was commissioned as part of the British Market Research Bureaus (BMRB) rolling Omnibus survey. Construction workers (both current and those who had worked in the last twelve months) were identified during the survey and asked a number of detailed questions about their accident and ill health experience, together with a range of questions about their employment status, qualifications, time in construction etc. A total of 5813 construction workers were contacted between January 2005 and April 2006 see results below:-

Results from the completed survey, are as follows: Total number in survey (adults aged 16+) Construction workers Construction projects - main types: New build - commercial New build - housing New build - industrial New build - public New build - total Refurb/repair - commercial Refurb/repair - housing Refurb/repair - industrial Refurb/repair - public Refurb/repair - total Civil engineering Demolition Roads and paving Roofing Painting and decorating Electrical work Cable/pipework Exterior cleaning - buildings Bridge building Water project Building services Other Construction workers - main trades: Carpenter & joiner Bricklayer & mason Plumber, heating & ventilating Painter & decorator Construction professional Roofer, tiler & slater Electrician Plasterer Site manager, supervisor Floorer & wall tiler Construction administrator & office worker Steel erector Civil engineer Labourer Glazier & window fitter Plant driver Groundworker & landscaper Other 125,873 5813

(4.6% of total survey)

637 (11%) 877 (15.1%) 239 (4.1%) 129 (2.2%) 1882 (32.4%) 361 (6.2%) 865 (14.9%) 156 (2.7%) 176 (3%) 1558 (26.8%) 409 (7%) 64 (1.1%) 195 (3.4%) 188 (3.2%) 256 (4.4%) 242 (4.2%) 135 (2.3%) 11 (0.2%) 26 (0.4%) 36 (0.6%) 334 (5.8%) 477 (8.2%)

781 (13.4%) 604 (10.4%) 552 (9.5%) 534 (9.2%) 330 (5.7%) 305 (5.2%) 316 (5.4%) 345 (5.9%) 284 (4.9%) 225 (3.9%) 155 (2.7%) 198 (3.4%) 205 (3.5%) 198 (3.4%) 178 (3.1%) 119 (2.1%) 112 (1.9%) 372 (6.4%)

Construction workers - main qualifications: City & Guilds 2056 NVQ/SVQ etc 1085 CSCS etc 1138 Other 861 Degree 306 None 1388 Don't know 53 Total responses more than 5813 workers total - result of multiple entry responses.

Construction workers - CSCS cardholders: Yes 2186 (37.6%) No 3555 (61.2%) Don't know 72 (1.2%) CSCS cardholder total is greater than main qualification response.

Construction workers - experience in construction: 10 years or more 3415 (58.7%) 5 - 10 years 540 (9.1%) 2 - 5 years 1045 (18.1%) 1 - 2 years 347 (5.9%) 3 - 12 months 271 (4.6%) 1 - 3 months 145 (2.1%) 1 - 4 weeks 24 (0.4%) 7 days or less 28 (0.4%) Don't know 3 (0.0%)

Questions about language/foreign workers indicated that 345 foreign workers (5.9% of total) were identified who had come to the UK from another country to work. There were 327 workers (5.6% of total) for whom English was a second language. Of the foreign workers, 130 (38%) had been working here for over 10 years, 70 (20%) working 5-10 years, 91 (26%) working 2-5 years and 55 (16%) working less than 2 years. Countries of origin were Poland 45, Irish Republic 36, South Africa 31, Lithuania 21, India 18, Russia 2 and other 132.

The regional breakdown of these figures shows that 59% of the foreign workers were in London, with a further 15% in the rest of the South East. The full breakdown is as follows:Region London South East Wales East Midlands North West West Midlands Yorks/Humber. Others Foreign workers 202 52 12 15 20 16 7 18 Total workers 777 1246 272 467 574 487 484 1316 % of total workers 26 % 4% 4% 3% 3% 3% 1.5 % 1.5 %

Employment Status: Employee Self - employed On government scheme Don't know CIS4 Tax Exemptions, Self - employed only: Yes No Don't know

3300 (57%) 2325 (40%) 84 (1.4%) 104 (1.6%)

825 (35%) 1342 (58%) 158 (7%)

Those claiming to be self - employed numbered 2325 (40%), of whom only 825 (14% of total) had CIS4 Tax Exemptions. Hence true self - employment could be about a third of the level that is claimed. A further question about the arrangements for pay (on an hourly/daily basis etc) shows that even amongst those with a CIS4 Exemption only 366 (6% of total) quote for the job/work in hand. The remainder, 459 (8% of total) are paid a wage. Other questions however, give varying indications of the extent of true self - employment, with a less clear picture emerging.

Role of current employer: Principal Contractor 1670 (28.7%) Contractor 2295 (39.5%) Planning Supervisor 112 (1.9%) Designer - Architect 130 (2.2%) Designer - Engineer 238 (4.1%) Client 842 (14.5%) None of these 408 (7%) Don't know 119 (2.1%) "None of these" and Client entries will include self - employed with no "employer" to report on.

Employer's workforce on site: 0 - 15 3263 (56.1%) 16 - 50 1208 (20.8%) 51 or more 997 (17.2%) Don't know 345 (5.9%) A total of 2322 workers (40%) had some responsibility for supervising others.

Hours worked - including overtime: 0 - 30 31 - 40 41 - 50 51 or more Don't know

755 (13%) 2514 (43.2%) 1674 (28.8%) 802 (13.8%) 68 (1.2%)

Shift working: Always 305(5.2%), Most of time 174(3%), Occasionally 553(9.5%), Never 4764(82%), Don't know 18(0.3%). Shift pattern: Daytime 497(48.2%), Day-12hrs 244(23.7%), Night-12hrs 95(9.2%), Various other 190(18.4%), Don't know 5(0.5%).

Accidents experienced total 467 (8% of construction workers) Accidents - road traffic 14 Accidents - returned same day 148 Accidents - still off work 51 of which likely absence 1-3 days 23 of which likely absence 4 or more days 24 of which likely absence N/K 4 Accidents - returned following day or after 254 of which absence 0-3 days 144 of which absence 4 or more days 110 Accidents - absent 4 or more days - total 134 (2.3% or 2305 per 100,000) The accident rate (for over 3 day accidents - 2305 per 100,000 compares with the amended 2003/04 LFS reportable rate of 1980.)

IP's time on site before accident occurred: Less than 1 day 1 - 7 days 1 week - 1 month 1 month - 6 months 6 months - 12 months 1 year - 5 years 5 years or more Dont know

90 (19%) 58 (12.5%) 81 (17%) 107 (23%) 39 (8.5%) 48 (10%) 40 (9%) 4 (1%)

Duration of site where accident occurred: Less than 1 day 1 - 7 days 1 week - 1 month 1 month - 6 months 6 months - 12 months 1 year - 5 years 5 years or more Don't know

62 (13.5%) 43 (9%) 71 (15%) 103 (22%) 52 (11%) 57 (12%) 62 (13.5%) 17 (4%)

Projects where accidents occurred: New build - commercial 22 (4.7%) New build - housing 62 (13.3%) New build - industrial 10 (2.1%) New build - public 10 (2.1%) New build - total 104 (22.2%) Refurb/repair - commercial 26 (5.6 %) Refurb/repair - housing 60 (12.8%) Refurb/repair - industrial 18 (3.9%) Refurb/repair - public 16 (3.4%) Refurb/repair - total 120 (25.7%) Civil engineering 24 (5.1%) Demolition 15 (3.2%) Roads and paving 21 (4.5%) Roofing 15 (3.2%) Painting and decorating 12 (2.6 %) Electrical work 21 (4.5%) Cable/pipework 7 (1.5%) Exterior cleaning - buildings 6 (1.3%) Bridge building 6 (1.3%) Building services 19 (4.1%) Other 97 (20.8%)

Ratio Acc/Proj %/% 0.43 0.89 0.53 0.95 0.69 0.93 0.85 1.30 1.13 0.95 0.73 2.91 1.50 1.07 0.65 1.13 0.75 6.50 2.89 0.68 2.97

Accident kind: Injured while handling, lifting or carrying Fall from a height - above 2m Fall from a height - below 2m Fall from a height - unspecified Fall from a height - total Hit by moving, flying or falling object Slips and trips on the same level Hit something fixed or stationary Contact with moving machinery Hit by moving vehicle Exposed to harmful substance Contact with electricity Trapped by something collapsing/overturning Contact with sharp object Other

133 (28.5%) 47 (10.1%) 29 (6.2%) 7 (1.5%) 83 (17.8%) 65 (13.9%) 62 (13.3%) 14 (3%) 33 (7%) 8 (1.7%) 6 (1.3%) 6 (1.3%) 7 (1.5%) 24 (5.1%) 26 (5.6%)

04/05 RIDDOR 2667 (20.8 %) 726 (5.7 %) 1166 (9.1%) 289 (2.3%) 2181 (17.1%) 2045 (16.0%) 2849 (22.3%) 437 (3.4 %) 420 (3.3%) 207 (1.6%) 285 (2.2%) 108 (0.8%) 77 (0.6%) 1050 (8.2%) 451 (3.5 %)

Ill health experienced total Aware for first time in last 12 months Aware for first time more than 12 months ago

322 124 198

(5.54% or 5539 per 100,000) (2.13%) (3.41 %)

The ill health prevalence rate of 5539 per 100,000 compares with the SWI 04/05 rate of 3900 per 100,000, ie 42% above the self reported rate.

Types of illness: MSD arms etc 91 (23.9%) MSD legs etc 57 (15%) MSD backs 83 (21.8%) MSD Total 231 (60.7%) Lung conditions 29 (7.6%) Skin conditions 17 (4.5%) Hearing conditions 11 (2.9%) Stress etc 47 (12.4%) Headache/eyestrain 10 (2.6%) Circulatory problems 15 (3.9%) HAVS 6 (1.6 %) Others 14 (3.7%) Total responses more than 322 in construction workers rate total as a result of multiple entry responses. Type of work causing illness: Lifting/carrying (Mental) stress Hard physical work Not stated etc Time off work caused by illness: 0 days 1 3 days 4 10 days 11 30 days 31 or more days Dont know

70 (21%) 40 (12%) 13 (3.9%) 211 (63.1%)

115 (35.7%) 25 (7.8%) 55 (17.1%) 41 (12.7%) 81 (25.2%) 5 (1.5%)

Other data sources 21 The following sources of data have also been used in this document: (a) Comprehensive Injury Statistics in support of the Revitalising Health and Safety Programme (http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/pdf/rhscon.pdf), which has been produced to support the monitoring of the targets set under Revitalising Health and Safety (RHS) in 2000. The factsheet provides top level rates of fatal and major injury in construction together with statistics for other topics including kind of accident, age and occupation. (b) Fatal accident database, which has been produced in the construction sector to obtain additional information about the circumstances of fatal accidents. It allows analysis of extra factors such as new build/refurbishment, size of contactor/site, public/private and application/non application of CDM. (c) Bomel datatool, which has arisen out of Improving Health and Safety in Construction Phase 2 (see above). The datatool provides a means to undertake graphical analysis of the RIDDOR accident database in order to drill down into the data and underpin the evidence based policy development approach. (d) Detailed Factsheet on Occupational Ill Health in the Construction Industry http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/industry/factcon.pdf, from which the table (Chart 12) has been taken.

Appendix: Fatal accident summaries Work activity Falls Transport Electricity Struck by/Crushed Demolition/Collapse Other fatal accidents

SUMMARIES OF FATAL ACCIDENTS FOR 1997/98-2004/05

These construction fatal accident narratives, which are summaries of the circumstances in which the accidents occurred, are accompanied by charts showing various factors relevant to the accidents. They have been produced to update earlier work including another study which covered a five year period during the years 1981 to 1985 when 739 people were killed by the construction industry. This account of fatal accidents in construction covers an eight year period, April 1997 to March 2005, when some 659 fatalities occurred, as a result of 639 incidents. In most cases reference is made to the current Health and Safety Executive publication giving relevant guidance on the precautions which are available. In many instances this guidance has been updated to take account of current developments in both technology and legislation. However, some of the analysis/charts are based on information from Construction Sectors Fatal accidents database and these cover shorter periods up to 2004/05. In most cases, the time periods covered by the individual charts are clearly shown in the headings, together with the source of the data, where this has not been taken from the fatal accidents summaries. Much relevant guidance on the necessary precautions is available in Health and Safety Booklet HS(G)150, Health and Safety in Construction. For convenience the accidents are broken down into the various categories, (falls, transport, electrical, etc.) and are then sub-divided to give an accurate picture of the causes and the issues involved. Fatal accidents by Work Activity Chart 13 Fatal accidents by Project Type Chart 14 Fatal accidents by Site Activity Chart 15 Fatal accidents by CDM Application Chart 16 Fatal accidents by Employer Size Chart 17 Fatal accidents by Site Size Chart 18

Fatal accidents by Public/Private Sector Chart 19 Fatal accidents by Kind of Accident Chart 20 Fatal accidents by Age Chart 21

Fatal accidents by Work Activity Chart 13

UTILITY INSTALLATION/ FOUNDATIONS/ DEMOLITION REPAIR EXCAVATIONS TRAVEL/VEHICLE 7% ELECTRICAL 1% 8% OTHER 1% 5% 4% PAINTING/ GENERAL HANDLING DECORATING 4% 11% STRUCTURAL ERECTION 5% SCAFFOLD/ STEEPLEJACK 4% ROOF ERECTION/REPAIR 13% ROAD BUILDING/REPAIR 7% ON SITE TRANSFER 9% LOADING/ UNLOADING 3% GENERAL JOBBING 2% GENERAL LABOURING 10% GENERAL MAINTENANCE 5%

Source: Construction Sector Fatals Database

On-site transfer is a key factor in fatal accidents, but even more significant when taken together with major and over 3-day accidents. In fact, research shows that this is the largest single factor in accident causation as it includes handling which makes up one third of all construction accidents. Fatal accidents by Project Type Chart 14

REFURB MAINT REPAIR DOMESTIC 21% REFURB MAINT REPAIR - NON DOM. 28%

OTHER 6%

CIVIL ENGINEERING 8%

NEW BUILD HOUSING 8% NEW BUILD COMMERCIAL 12% NEW BUILD INDUSTRIAL 5%

ROAD BUILDING REPAIR 12%

NEW BUILD TOTAL - 25% REFURB, MAINT & REPAIR TOTAL - 49%

Source: Construction Sector Fatals Database

Almost half of all fatal accidents occur in refurbishment/maintenance/repair projects, which tend to attract the smaller, less experienced contractors and includes the vast proportion of the informal construction economy (which is estimated to be worth 10bn each year).

Fatal accidents by Site Activity Chart 15

Site Activity 1999/00 Refurb/Rep/Maint-non d 23 (28%) Refurb/Rep/Maint-dom 23 (28%) Refurb/Rep/Maint-total 46 (56%) New build-commercial 13 (16%) New build-housing 6 (7%) New build-industrial 2 (3%) New build-total 21 (26%) Roadworks 4 (5%) Civil Engineering 8 (10%) Other/demolition 2 (3%) Total worker fatalities 81 Fatals Database analysis by site activity 2000/01 31 (29%) 12 (11%) 43 (40%) 18 (17%) 14 (13%) 5 (5%) 37 (35%) 8 (8%) 8 (8%) 9 (9%) 105 2001/02 26 (33%) 19 (24%) 45 (57%) 5 (6%) 2 (3%) 5 (6%) 12 (15%) 13 (16%) 5 (6%) 5 (6%) 80 2002/03 21 (30%) 13 (19%) 34 (49%) 10 (14%) 5 (7%) - (0%) 15 (21%) 6 (9%) 8 (11%) 7 (10%) 70 2003/04 21 (30%) 18 (25%) 39 (55%) 9 (13%) 6 (8%) 5 (7%) 20 (28%) 7 (10%) 3 (4%) 2 (3%) 71 2004/05p 14 (20%) 18 (25%) 32 (45%) 9 (13%) 10 (14%) 5 (7%) 24 (34%) 5 (7%) 3 (4%) 7 (10%) 71

The following conclusions can be drawn from the above table: a) The reduction in the number of fatal accidents following the summit (in Feb 2001) occurred largely because of a substantial reduction in the number of fatal accidents occurring in new build work, (37 in 2000/01 down to 12 in 2001/02). This improvement has not been maintained, as increases have been seen in the last few years (15 fatalities in 2002/03, 20 in 2003/04 and 24 in 2004/05p). b) The change in refurbishment/repair has been far less marked, with no improvement at all in the first year (43 in 2000/01 and 45 in 2001/02). Since then however, some improvement has occurred, which has tended to offset the recent increases in the new build sector (34 refurbishment fatalities in 2002/03, 39 in 2003/04 and 32 in 2004/05p). c) Other points to note include the large increase in roadworks fatal accidents in 2001/02, which was against the general downward trend in numbers of fatal accidents that year, and which appears to have returned to a more typical level over the last few years (6 in 2002/03, 7 in 2003/04 and 5 in 2004/05p).

The fatal accidents database also shows the link between fatal accidents, applicability of CDM to project, public/private sector, and size of employer/site (see following 4 charts, all taken from Fatals Database analysis):

Fatal accidents by CDM Application Chart 16

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
CDM inapplicable
C D M applicable

CDM inapplicable C D M applicable

2000/2001

2001/2002

2002/2003

2003/2004

2004/2005

31
75

42
37

29
46

17
51

29
43

The applicability of CDM to the site where the fatal accident occurred follows the trend shown in the site activity table. Given the correlation between size of site/employer and type of site activity where smaller sites/employers tend to work in refurbishment/repair, then it follows that the applicability of CDM will reflect the trend set by new build activity, assuming that larger sites are more likely to be subject to CDM. Hence, there was a dramatic decline in the application of CDM between 2000/01 and 2001/02 (down from 71% to 47%). Since then there has generally been an increase (61% in 2002/03, 75% in 2003/04 and 60% in 2004/05) which is consistent with an increase in fatal accidents on new build sites and a decrease in refurbishment/repair. Fatal accidents by Employer Size Chart 17
100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
Large contractor
S/E or Small contractor 2000/2001 2001/2002 2002/2003 2003/2004 2004/2005

Large contractor S/E or Small contractor

23
83

20
59

27
48

24
48

28
47

For the purposes of these tables, a large contractor is defined as one with more than 15 workers.

This chart giving the size of the firm that employed the deceased shows little change between 2000/01 and 2001/02. Since then there has been some increase in the

proportion of large contractors involved, which reflects the increase in fatal accidents in new build and decrease in refurbishment/repair. Fatal accidents by Site Size Chart 18
100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
Large site

Large site

Small site

2000/2001
54

2001/2002
22

2002/2003
22

2003/2004
24

2004/2005
24

Small site

52

57

53

42

48

For the purposes of these tables, a large site is defined as one with more than 15 workers.

This chart which shows the size of the site on which the fatal accident occurred follows the trend shown in the site activity table. There is a large increase in the proportion of fatal accidents on small sites between 2000/01 and 2001/02 (from 49% to 72%), which is consistent with the larger proportion of fatal accidents in refurbishment/repair. Since then the proportion on small sites has fallen, which is in line with the site activity trend. Overall the figures show a higher proportion of small sites/small firms in refurbishment/repair activities and conversely a higher proportion of large sites/large firms in new build activities. Fatal accidents by Public/Private Sector Chart 19
100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
Public
Private

Public Private

2001/2002

2002/2003

2003/2004

2004/2005

22
57

17
58

16
56

14
58

2000/2001 figures not available

The chart showing the public sector/private sector split for sites where a fatal accident has occurred shows figures for the last four years. There appears to be a gradual decline in the proportion of the sites attributable to the public sector over this time. Given that the proportion of construction work in the public sector is generally taken as around 30% then the current figure of around 20% for fatal accidents suggests some difference in performance between the public/private sectors. This finding is also supported by research by Bomel (see para 20 (c)). Fatal accidents by Kind of Accident Chart 20
COLLAPSE 9.8% TRANSPORT 16.8% STRUCK BY 8.7%

MISCELLANEOUS 6.6% ELECTRICITY 8.6%

FALLS 49.5%

Falls traditionally make up around 50% of fatal injuries in construction almost every year. When total fatal numbers have been low in the past, the number of fatal falls has remained fairly constant. More recently the overall percentage of fatal falls has decreased, and this trend has been sustained into 2004/05p. Transport accidents almost invariably take 2nd place, but struck by, electrical and collapse fatalities, where the numbers involved are smaller, can vary markedly year on year. Fatal accidents by Age Chart 21

137

140 120 100 80

57 117

128 108

TOTAL = 664

84

60 40 20 0
0-15 16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ Unknown 8 25

Care needs to be taken in interpreting this chart because it does not indicate injury rate. In fact, the highest fatal rates are amongst the 16-24 and over 65 age ranges, the former due to inexperience and the latter to physical fragility. The mean rate for 16-34 year old men is 3.9, for 35-54 the rate is 3.8, and for 55+ the rate is 6.7 per 100,000 in 2002/3.

FALLS Fatal accidents by Total Falls Chart 22 Fatal accidents by Falls/Occupation Chart 23 Fatal accidents by Falls/Age Chart 24 Fatal accidents by Falls/Fragile Materials/Occupation Chart 25 Fatal Falls through Fragile Materials Summaries Fatal Falls during Steel Erection Summaries Fatal accidents by Falls/Ladders/Occupation Chart 26 Fatal accidents by Falls/Ladders/Reasons Chart 27 Fatal Falls from Ladders Summaries Fatal accidents by Falls/Edges and Openings/Occupation Chart 28 Fatal Falls from Edges and Openings - Summaries Fatal accidents by Falls/Scaffold/Occupation Chart 29 Fatal Falls from Scaffolds and Work Platforms Summaries Falls from a height are by far the most common cause of fatal injuries in the Construction sector. They can be sub-divided into various categories as follows; falls through fragile materials, falls from steelwork, falls from ladders, falls from

edges/openings, and falls from scaffolding. There are numerous examples of each of these categories given below. Detailed guidance on a number of relevant issues and related precautions is contained in Health and Safety Booklet HS(G)33, Health and Safety in Roofwork. Fatal accidents by Total Falls Chart 22
FRAGILE MATERIALS 21.6%

SCAFFOLDING/ PLATFORMS 22.9%

STEELWORK 3.4%

EDGES & OPENINGS 25.7%

LADDERS 26.4%

Steel erectors and scaffolders have some of the highest fatal accident rates in construction. Fatal accidents to steel erectors have reduced considerably over the years, most probably due to the use of MEWPs. In the two years 2001/2 & 2002/3, there were no fatal accidents to steel erectors as a result of falls from steelwork. Although the proportion of scaffold/platform fall fatalities is around 25% of the total falls, less than a quarter of these involve scaffolders.

Fatal accidents by Falls/Occupation Chart 23

STEEPLEJACK 2% SCAFFOLDER 8% BRICKLAYER 1%

CONSTRUCTION WORKER 4%

MISCELLANEOUS 11%

DEMOLITION WORKER 3% BUILDER 13% LABOURER 6%

PAINTER/DECORATO R 11% MEMBER OF PUBLIC 2% STEEL ERECTOR 6%

WELDER 2%

CARPENTER 4% ELECTRICIAN 3%

ROOFER 24%

Although the rather general categories of "Builder", "Construction Worker", "Labourer" and "Miscellaneous" take up a fairly sizeable chunk of this chart, roofers clearly stand out as the largest occupational group, at over 20%, involved in fatal falls from a height. Other significant groups include, scaffolders, steel erectors and carpenters. In fact, roofers have the highest fatal accident numbers from any cause in construction, though carpenters and joiners have the highest non-fatal numbers. Fatal accidents by Fall/Age Chart 24

80 70 60 50 40
29 51 65

76

TOTAL = 332
59

29 22

30 20 10 0
0-15 16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 1

65+

Unknown

Once again, it is important to appreciate that this chart does not indicate injury rates. In this case, the chart shows proportionately fewer fatal fall accidents amongst younger age groups (25-44), but proportionately higher numbers in the 16-24 and

over 45 age ranges, compared to the earlier chart showing fatal accidents from all causes. Disregarding the 0-15 range and the unknown category, the percentage of fatal accidents from falls in each age range are: (cf. 50.4% average figure) 16-24: 25-34: 35-44: 45-54: 55-64: 65+: 58% 42% 46% 58% 55% 86%

The excess in fatal falls in the 16-24 range can be explained by lack of experience/caution amongst younger workers, whilst the excess in the older groups, (most notably the 65+ range at 86%) can be explained by physical fragility with increasing age.

Fragile Materials:
Fatal accidents by Fall/Fragile Materials/Occupation Chart 25

FALLS THROUGH FRAGILE MATERIALS BY OCCUPATION

DEMOLITION WORKER 4% BUILDER 14%

ROOFER 43%

OTHER 30% SCAFFOLDER 3% LABOURER 6%

Roofers have the highest fatal accident numbers from any cause in construction, though carpenters and joiners have the highest non-fatal numbers.

Summaries Fatal Falls through Fragile Materials A demolition worker (17) was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight panel located alongside the access scaffold. No explanation could be found for his decision to leave the scaffold platform, but it was thought that he might have been attempting to take a shortcut.

A self-employed builder (53) was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight as he was working to repair a similar rooflight in the vicinity. He had been lifted up to the roof via a large ice box container on the forks of a forklift truck. He used a plank to spread his weight on the fragile roof and repair the panel. He may have been attempting to make his way off the roof when he fell through an adjacent fragile rooflight. A managing director (54) was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight panel as he was doing repairs on the rooflights. The repair work had been completed at the time of the accident and the managing director was walking across the roof some distance away. A labourer (19) was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight on a new cowshed which was being roofed. He was carrying new roof sheets up to the roof when he lost his footing as he passed a rooflight on an adjacent roof and fell through it. A maintenance worker (50) was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight panel as he was checking roof repair work carried out by other contractors. The covers which had been provided at the panels to ensure safety had been removed and the rooflights panels were unprotected. A self-employed roofer (52) was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight panel as he was stripping an old corrugated asbestos cement roof. He had positioned a staging board on the roof for access, but he stepped onto the rooflight and fell through. A roofer (35) was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight as he carried out storm damage repairs to an industrial type roof. No safety equipment, instruction, nor supervision had been provided. A roofer (52) was killed when he fell through an unprotected fragile rooflight. He was working as part of a gang to strip and re-sheet an industrial pitched roof. A demolition worker was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight as he worked as part of a gang to remove the roof sheets from a building. He was helping to carry the sheets across the roof when he stepped over the ridge onto the opposite slope and fell through an unprotected rooflight. A roofers labourer (18) was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight on an industrial type pitched roof. He climbed up to roof to resecure the cover at the rooflight which had been affected by high winds. At the time of the accident the rooflight was only partially covered by an old roof sheet A self-employed builder (66) was killed when he fell through a fragile roof panel while carrying out minor roof repairs. No precautions had been taken on the fragile roof. A construction operative (17) was killed when he fell through a fragile roof panel. He used the access scaffold to gain access to two redundant silos, but fell through the

panel which was outside the scaffold platform area. It was thought that he was taking an alternative route back to his place of work when he fell. A roofer (49) was killed when he fell through the fragile inner lining of an industrial roof where some steel roofing sheets had been removed. He was working to progressively replace the roof sheets and rooflights on the roof when he stepped on the open section of the lining and fell through as he attempted to avoid a rooflight panel in the vicinity. A roofer (36) was killed when he fell through an unfixed liner panel while working from the roof gutter. He was re-covering the roof and it was understood that the method of work, which involved the use of a scissor lift for access, had been changed shortly before the work started. A carpenter (28) was killed when he stood on and fell through unprotected fragile roof insulation sheet. The roof insulation sheets were being installed when the accident happened. A self-employed builder was killed when he fell through a roof which he was recovering with new metal sheets. He was completing a section at a time by removing the rusty corrugated metal sheets and replacing them with metal profile sheets. He had placed a ladder on the sheets for access, but fell through the roof, apparently whilst removing one of the old rusty sheets, which was found on the floor after the accident. A roofer (37) was killed when he fell through a badly corroded steel sheet roof. He gained access to the roof to repair it, but fell through when three sheets gave way. The roof consisted of glass rooflights and steel sheets and was in a fragile condition. A self-employed roofer (55) was replacing corrugated asbestos cement sheets (3rd day of contract) on roof of a garage workshop, working either from the roof or more likely off of single width scaffold boards (9ins wide). He stood up after placing a roof sheet and then apparently overbalanced and fell sideways through a PVC rooflight, approx 3.65m onto concrete floor. Weather fine and dry, but quite windy. A self-employed roofer fell through a foam insulation sheet during the roofing of a grain store being erected on a farm. Working from a Youngmans board. No nets, running lines or edge protection provided. An electrician (54) fell 3.6m through a non load bearing floor which was part of a service duct at a bus station. He was trying to isolate a light fitting prior to carrying out minor repair work. There was no equipment provided to ensure that a safe system of work was followed. Neither was there any remote means of isolating the electrical supply. The deceased (35) was working in a small gang engaged in reroofing work at a brickworks. He fell through a fragile rooflight which was not in the working area, but on an adjacent roof on the other side of a valley gutter. Access was via the valley gutter, which was boarded along the length of the valley. It is not clear why he was near the rooflight or what instructions were given on this aspect.

A work experience roofer (22) fell an unspecified distance through a fragile roof during jobbing roofwork. A roofer (23) fell some 15m as he was replacing window lights to a fragile roof. He was working from a crawling board and it was through that he stepped backwards from the board and fell through the fragile roof. The deceased (62) fell some 6m as he was replacing roof sheets at an industrial unit conversion site. A single roof ladder was used on the roof where existing metal sheets and fragile rooflights were being replaced by similar materials. As the deceased walked up the roof he fell though one of the fragile rooflights. The deceased (45) fell through a fragile rooflight as he was repairing another rooflight. The warehouse roof consisted of metal sheets together with a large number of fragile rooflights. It appears that when he had completed the repairs the deceased stepped back and fell through one of the adjacent rooflights. A self-employed roofer aged 72 fell through a fragile rooflight, as he was carrying out repairs on an industrial roof. The deceased was involved in diamond drilling work on a roof. The roof in question had fragile rooflights which had been barriered off or covered. The deceased walked onto one of the rooflights and fell through. The deceased one of two gangs of three roofers engaged in resheeting an extensive portal framed warehouse building. It appears that some 50% of the roof was under netted, but the deceased was moving a sheet from a pile at the opposite end of the building. He fell through an uncovered fragile rooflight in an area of the roof which was not protected by the nets. Roofworker in his early 50s fell through rooflight. Two employees and one subcontractor on roof of warehouse building replacing a number of fragile rooflights in a fragile (asbestos cement) roof, also cleaning gutters. Using crawling boards only but with no guard-rails. Harnesses not being worn - indeed nowhere on which to clip them. No nets. Roofer, aged 37 fell through a fragile roof at warehouse premises. A self-employed builder aged 68, fell whilst he was redecorating the exterior of a public house. He fell from the edge of pitched roof above a bay window. Builder aged 52 was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight. He was attempting to repair the asbestos cement roof of an industrial unit at the time. Roofer in his 30s was killed when he fell through a roof sheet. He was carrying some guttering across the roof of a football stand at the same time and the netting installed below failed to arrest his fall.

Welder aged 36 was killed when he fell through a fragile asbestos cement roof at a farm. He was helping to remove the sheets at the time before the redundant farm building was to be demolished. Casual Worker aged 23 was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight on an asbestos roof. He was powerwashing the roof of a farm building and appears to have stepped off from one of the access boards. Self employed builder aged 56 was killed when he fell through a conservatory roof at the rear of a house. He was carrying out external decoration at the time. Roofer aged 52 was killed when he fell through an asbestos cement roof during the installation of ventillation ductwork. Roofer aged 50 was killed when he fell through an asbestos cement sheet during reroofing work. Self employed builder aged 52 was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight. He was carrying out repairs on the fire damaged roof of a farm building Employee aged 60 was killed when he fell through a fragile roof. He was involved in the installation of ventilation ducting for a spray booth at the time. Self employed builder aged 53 was killed when he fell through a fragile roof at a farm. He was installing second hand, fragile roofsheets/rooflights to a barn. Self employed roofer aged 40 was killed when he fell through a fragile roof at a farm. He was installing an additional roof over the existing fragile roof at the time. Industrial roofer aged 27 was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight. He was involved in the replacement of the rooflights and the outer roof skin at the time. Employee aged 43 was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight. He was involved in repair work and (unsuitable) safety equipment was not used. Roofer aged 44 was killed when he fell through a fragile roof. He was involved in repair work at the time. Scaffolder aged 27 was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight. He was dismantling scaffolding following reroofing work , when he crossed the roof and fell. Son of proprietor aged 31 was killed when he fell through a fragile roof. He was attempting to remove overhanging branches, as part of the refurbishment, of a factory unit. Partner aged 60 was killed when he fell through a fragile roof. He was involved with repairs to the roof of a farm building, and available mobile elevating work platform was not used.

Casual labourer aged 70 was killed when he fell through a ceiling. He was involved with a domestic loft conversion. Scaffolding manager aged 44 was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight. He was checking on progress with the erection of a scaffold, then crossed roof and fell. Employee aged 31 was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight. He was attempting to remove rooflights to improve ventilation for burning work at the time. The project involved major refurbishment work including partial demolition of the industrial premises. Roofer aged 32 was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight. He was engaged in overcladding work on the existing warehouse roof at the time. Construction worker aged 30 was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight. He was attempting to remove fragile roofsheets as part of the demolition of an old farm building. Demolition in preparation for new hotel at public house premises. Self-employed partner aged 61 was killed when he fell through a fragile roofsheet He was attempting to replace fire-damaged roofsheets/rooflights at disused industrial unit at the time. Roofer aged 44 was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight. Two proprietary boards were used as crawling boards but he slid down the roof and through the rooflight. The work was of short duration at industrial premises, weather wet. Plasterer aged 38 was killed when he fell through a sheet of plasterboard which had been used to cover an opening in the floor provided for dropping refuse. He jumped down from some staging onto the temporary plasterboard cover which collapsed. The project involved the conversion of a mill into domestic flats. Roofwork labourer aged 17 was killed when he fell through a rooflight. A new retail unit was being constructed and he fell through the existing roof of an adjoining unit. Construction worker aged 28 was killed when he fell through fire vent on warehouse roof. He was erecting double guardrail at time during work on portal frame extension to warehouse. Roofer aged 27 was killed when he fell through rooflight during replacement of existing industrial roof. No demarcation between roof worked on and adjoining roof. Roofer aged 53 was killed when he fell through rooflight during cleaning of warehouse type roof. Premises used as a car dealership. Painter/decorator aged 61 was killed when he fell through rooflight at warehouse type premises. Work involved repainting of guttering to roof at premises. Roofer was killed when he fell through a fragile roof at port/bridge premises.

Roofworker aged 32 was killed when he fell through fragile roof at large industrial unit. He was engaged in replacement of rooflight panels, fell through adjoining roof. Engineer aged 42 was killed when he fell through a fragile asbestos cement roof of grain store at a farm. Work involved installation grain hopper within farm building. Developer aged 53 was killed when he fell through fragile asbestos cement roof of disused MVR premises. Demolition proposed prior to redevelopment as housing. Roofing contractor aged 40 was killed when he fell through a fragile asbestos cement roof. He was replacing damaged rooflights at warehouse type premises. Construction worker aged 36 was killed when he fell through a fragile roof at a distribution warehouse. Understood that he may have fallen from a tower scaffold onto the fragile roof, during alteration/refurbishment work. Labourer aged 46 was killed when he fell through a fragile asbestos cement roof. He was removing sheets using a scissor lift platform prior to demolition of industrial building. Not known why he left platform and climbed onto surface of roof. Migrant painter aged 32 fell through fragile rooflight/asbestos cement roof. Working on roof painting parts of building, general refurbishment empty industrial unit. Maintenance fitter aged 50 was killed when he fell through a fragile rooflight. He was attempting to remove wind cowls from the drier exhaust on roof of a barn. Summaries - Fatal Falls during Steel Erection A steel erector (40) was killed when he fell as he attempted to remove a lightweight staging board between two beams. The board, which did not have guard rails and was not secured, overbalanced as two steel erectors were standing on it both fell. The steel erectors both had safety harnesses but these were not anchored. A steel erector (57) was killed when he fell during the completion of structural steelwork at a building extension project. He was reported to have been using a wooden ladder for access and to have fallen as he climbed the ladder. A steel erector (23) was killed as he fell when he attempted to straddle a beam only 210mm in depth. He was trying to unclip his safety harness before reattaching it elsewhere, while helping to guide a suspended load through the steelwork. He was directing the crane driver via a hand held radio and it was raining at the time. A steel erector (23) was killed when he fell from industrial racking which was being erected. A scissor lift had been provided for access to the racking but could not be used at one point because of the narrow aisle width. The method of work was for the erectors to make use of the safety harnesses to ensure their safety in these circumstances. The steel erector fell as he was attempting to climb back to the scissor lift platform following the completion of the fixing operation in question. No inertia reel/fall arrest equipment had been specified or used for this work.

A steel erector (61) was killed when he fell from tower scaffold during steel erection work. The platform was only provided with a single guard rail. It was claimed that the tower was being dismantled, but was also being used for the retrieval of equipment etc. A harness/line was used in one case to ensure safety. A welder (53) fell some 7m from open steelwork as he was installing open metal flooring (gratings). He was working inside a new factory unit under construction and stepped onto an unsecured grating and fell with it to the floor below. No fall arrest/protection provided. Steel erector aged 49 was killed when he fell from a steel framework. He was erecting the framework, which was to support an extract hood at a wood processing plant, at the time. Steel erector aged 41 was killed when he fell from a steel framework. He was attempting to fit the purlins for the roof at the time. He was wearing a fall arrest harness, but this had not been clipped on. A member of the public was killed when he fell from open steelwork to the roadway below. He had been discovered wandering around the site in an intoxicated state in the early hours of the morning, and had been escorted away. Some time later he was found lying in the roadway. It appeared that he attempted to climb back into the site via the steelwork and lost his footing. Steel erector aged 26 was killed when he fell during construction of a new oil storage tank. He was working from staging when the centre scaffold board failed and he fell to his death. Steel erector aged 45 was killed when he fell from steelwork for new kiln. He was wearing harness but was not attached, construction of new kiln at cement works.

Ladders:

Fatal accidents by Falls/Ladders/Occupation Chart 26

FALLS FROM LADDERS BY OCCUPATION

ELECTRICIAN 5% MEMBER OF PUBLIC 2% CONSTRUCTION WORKER 6% ROOFER 12% LABOURER 5% CARPENTER 5% BUILDER 16%

OTHER 16% PAINTER/DECORATOR 29%

BRICKLAYER 4%

Whilst painters and decorators have moderately high accident numbers overall, they have a disproportionately high share (almost a third) of the fatal fall category from ladders! Fatal accidents by Falls/Ladders/Reasons Chart 27

REASONS FOR FALLS FROM LADDERS

OVER-REACH/ OVERBALANCE 11% SCAFFOLD OVERTURN (NOT SECURED) 7% SLIPPED/LOSE ONES FOOTING 19%

STEPLADDER 10% OTHER 4% KNOCKED OFF 4% DEFECTIVE 4% NO KNOWN CAUSE 9% UNTIED OR UNSECURED 32%

This information was not available in earlier versions of "Blackspot". It clearly shows the importance of tying securely as more than a third of fatal falls from ladders were attributed to lack of tying/securing. Summaries Fatal Falls from Ladders

A self-employed builder (50) was killed when he fell from a ladder while carrying out repair work. He was working from two stage, lightweight, extension ladder and he was found with the ladder lying on top of him. A roofer (78) was killed when he fell from a ladder. He was working well beyond retirement age and an access scaffold had been provided at the front of the two storey domestic premises to provide safe access for the re-roofing work. However he fell from the access ladder at the rear, where there was no scaffold, as he climbed down at the end of the days work. A self-employed painter (49) was killed when he fell from a ladder as he was painting a window. It appeared that the ladder had been placed too far from the base of the wall, causing it to slip. The ladder was not tied and there was evidence that the painter was over-reaching away from the ladder when he fell. A bricklayer (44) was killed when he fell from a ladder leaning against a tower scaffold. The tower had an integral access ladder arrangement within it but the bricklayer did not want to use it, possibly because of his stocky build. A roofer (48) was killed when he fell from an untied ladder as he attempted to carry bundles of tiles up it. The ladder slipped and he fell to the ground. It was too short for the work in question and was being moved progressively along a wall while the work carried out. A bricklayer (60) was killed when he fell from a ladder, possibly as a result of attempting to over-reach as he stood at the top. The ladder was located between two new build houses and was reasonably well secured. The bricklayer was thought to have been attempting to use a hammer and chisel at a point away from the ladder when he overbalanced and fell. A self-employed builder (50) was killed when he fell from a ladder resting on a lightweight staging, which itself was standing on a conservatory roof. He was attempting to install a rooflight to the rear of the house and the ladder was neither tied or footed. A self-employed painter/decorator (38) was killed when he fell from a ladder as he tried to carry out work on the gable end of a domestic house. A self-employed builder (37) was killed when he fell from a ladder while working on guttering at a two storey terraced house. The ladder was reported to be in good condition. A self-employed builder (61) was killed when he fell from a tower scaffold which overturned. The tower was not fitted with outriggers nor tied into the building in any way. The builder was also attempting to work from a ladder which was resting on the top deck of the tower with the top of the ladder resting against the flank wall. A self-employed builder was killed when he fell from a ladder which was resting on a lightweight staging which itself was standing on a conservatory roof. He was

attempting to install a rooflight to the rear of the house and the ladder was neither tied nor footed. A self-employed painter (29) was killed when he fell from a ladder as he tried to remove a flagpole from an exterior wall. He was repainting the outside of the building and needed to take the flagpole down to complete the job. He did not wait for an assistant to arrive to help with the task and was dragged from the ladder as the pole came loose after he had cut through one of the support brackets. Scaffolder (29) was killed as he fell from a ladder while attempting to carry a bucket full of scaffold fittings to the platform. He probably snagged the bucket on the telephone line causing him to overbalance. A construction worker (37) was killed when he fell from an unsecured ladder. He was trying to climb onto an unprotected flat garage roof at the time. A self-employed builder (49) was killed when he fell from a ladder/tower scaffold structure which had been erected to give access to the guttering of a three storey house. A welder (30) was killed when he fell into a dock as he was attempting to fix a shackle to a jammed sheet pile. He used a ladder to gain access to the sheet pile and this leant directly against the sheet. The sheet pile suddenly freed itself and the ladder moved causing the welder to fall and strike the waling of the cofferdam as he descended. A self-employed builder was killed when he fell from a ladder as he was attempting to replace a cowl at the top of a chimney stack. No reason could be found to explain the fall. A labourer (21) was killed when he fell from a wooden access ladder which was tied. It was reported that he was attempting to carry a hot drink up the ladder at the time. The ground conditions were also said to be icy so that his boots were likely to have been covered by slippery mixture of ice and mud. A self-employed painter/decorator (47) was killed when he fell from a ladder he was using to reach an external fire alarm. He was attempting to replace the fire alarm cover, following the application of a protective masonry coating to the house. A painter/decorator (40) was killed when he fell from a ladder which was standing on a tower scaffold. The tower overturned/was neither tied into the building nor fitted with outriggers. A self-employed plumber was killed when he fell from a ladder which was standing on a bandstand. Part of the bandstand pierced his chest as he fell. A company director was killed when he fell from the rungs of a ladder as he descended to the ground. He was leaving through a first floor access hatch when he lost his footing on the ladder, landed awkwardly, and struck his head.

A self-employed painter/decorator (54) was killed when he fell from a ladder as he carried out external decoration work at a house. The ladder pitched from back-tofront as a result of being placed on a slippery footing. It was not tied nor footed. A painter (52) was knocked off step ladder and fell 1.5 metres when struck on head by lighting fitting which was being masked prior to spraying being undertaken. Fatal consequences not notified to HSE by employer although accident notified. A painter/decorator (49) fell approx 4m from an extension ladder whilst cleaning gutters. It appears that he either over reached or was blown from the ladder by a strong gust of wind. Ladder reported to have been in good condition, but no information about securing/footing it. A painter/decorator (56) fell from a light trades extension ladder that had been positioned below a windowsill some 4m high. Ladder in good condition but did not appear to have been footed or secured. No evidence that movement of the ladder had caused the fall. A painter/decorator (51) fell from a section of an extension ladder that he had placed on a flat roof. The ladder was slightly off true and it slipped sideways as he was painting a dormer window frame. He caught his foot in the ladder as it moved and fell to the ground. A painter/decorator (51) fell some 5m from a domestic type double extension ladder as he was painting the soffits at a house. Underpinning work had recently been completed at the premises and it was understood that the ladder, which had been borrowed for the purpose, was not secured. An electrical fitter (55) fell from a step ladder. The steps were destabilised when one of the feet entered a small opening in the floor which had been formed for an incoming pipe. A roofer (67) fell from a ladder whilst he was replacing a fascia board at a house. The ladder was resting against a tower scaffold and was not tied. It appears that the deceased leant out from the ladder causing the ladder to slip and he fell approx 4m to the ground. A self-employed surveyor fell from a surveyors sectional ladder as he was measuring a dormer window at roof level. He was measuring-up the windows for the installation of replacements at the bungalow. It was thought that he over-reached and the top section of the ladder (which had not been fixed to the bottom) moved, causing him to fall with the ladder section. A self-employed jobbing builder (65) fell whilst using an unsecured two stage extension ladder to replace a tile on the roof of a house. The hook on the right handstile/upper extension of the ladder was missing and this caused the ladder to fail in use, and the deceased to fall. A handyman (48) fell whilst using a ladder inside during the removal of a roller shutter door in preparation for refurbishment of the empty factory premises. His legs

went through the ladder above the second rung and his upper body fell to the ground causing fatal injuries. A self-employed builder/decorator (63) fell some 7m from a ladder as he was completing window replacement work on the second floor of the restaurant premises. The ladder was reported to be of a heavy duty type and did not move as the deceased fell. Steeplejack aged 43 fell from ladder on a flagpole during painting of the flagpole. He fell as he was dismantling the access ladders. Self-employed joiner aged 45 was killed when he fell from a ladder. He was repairing fascia boards at the time and it appears that the ladder slipped to one side causing him to fall. Construction worker aged 45 was killed when he fell from a ladder which gave access to the top lift of a scaffold. Not clear why he fell. Self employed glazier aged 41 was killed when he fell from a ladder. Roofer aged 37 was killed when he fell from a ladder while he was engaged in cleaning out guttering. Roofer aged 60 was killed when he fell from a ladder whilst repairing a roof. The ladder collapsed as he stepped onto it from the roof. Self employed painter/decorator aged 63 was killed when he fell as he was decorating a classroom in a school. It was thought that he fell as he attempted to use a ladder placed on top of a tower scaffold to complete work. Self employed painter/decorator aged 55 was killed when he fell as he was decorating the fascia at the gable end of a farmhouse. He was attempting to gain access using a ladder which was standing on scaffold boards/tower scaffold. Crane operator aged 51 was killed when he fell as he was climbing the fixed vertical access ladder to his tower crane. Roofer aged 37 was killed when he fell from a ladder which he was using to gain access to a flat roof area. Self employed builder aged 60 was killed when he fell from the second rung of a stepladder. He was refurbishing an empty industrial/retail unit at the time. Self employed builder was killed when he fell from a ladder as the platform supporting it collapsed. He was repointing the gable end wall of a 2 storey house. Approved electrician aged 45 was killed when he fell from a stepladder. He was refixing a fluorescent light fitting to the ceiling at the time.

Self employed painter/decorator aged 59 was killed when he fell from a ladder. He was attempting to paint a dormer window on the first floor at the time. Self employed painter/decorator aged 77 was killed when he fell from a ladder. He was attempting to clean out the gutters and paint a window above a glass roofed porch. Employee was killed when he fell from a ladder during the construction of a conservatory at domestic premises. Employee aged 48 was killed when he fell from a ladder as the untied scaffold supporting it overturned. He was involved with the refurbishment of a block of flats. Employee aged 22 was killed when he fell from a ladder whilst cleaning out guttering. It was understood that the ladder was tied. Bricklayer aged 40 was killed when he fell from a ladder. Builder aged 45 was killed when he fell from a ladder at an industrial unit. It was understood that the ladder not fitted with rubber feet. General labourer aged 42 was killed when he appears to have fallen from a ladder. It was understood that he was engaged in refurbishment work in shop premises Member of public aged 46 was killed when he fell from a ladder as he spoke to roofer (brother). The ladder was tied/in satisfactory condition. Self-employed roofer aged 55 was killed when he fell from a ladder. He was engaged in retiling domestic premises and he fell from the roof access ladder. Carpenter aged 62 was killed when he fell from a ladder. He was attempting to access first lift of scaffold using short domestic ladder at domestic loft conversion. General builder aged 55 was killed when he fell from a ladder. He was attempting to access a flat roof to carry out repair work when the ladder slipped. Self-employed roofer aged 64 was killed when he fell from a ladder. He was repointing a chimney at domestic premises, and had used several ladders for access. He fell when one of the ladders slipped. Painter and decorator aged 63 was killed when he fell from a ladder. He was painting railings at mezzanine level, workshop premises when the ladder slipped. Heating engineer aged 62 was killed when he fell from a ladder. He was attempting to access roof of domestic premises to install flue for a new boiler. Painter and decorator aged 49 was killed when he fell from a ladder. Ladder slipped causing fall, he also received burns from the torch used to burn off paint.

Painter and decorator aged 58 was killed when he fell from a stepladder. He fell to the hallway of domestic premises whilst decorating hall, stairs and landing. Retired householder aged 67 was killed when he fell from a ladder as he attempted to inspect roofwork at his home. A scaffold had been provided for access and the ladder was tied. Agency hod carrier aged 27 was killed when he fell from a ladder. He was working on a house building site and the ladder was not tied. Carpenter aged 45 was killed when he fell from a ladder during installation of large window frame. Work involved erection of conservatory at domestic premises. Carpenter aged 54 was killed when he fell from a ladder used as access to a flat roof. The project involved both refurbishment and new build work. Painter/decorator aged 63 was killed when he fell from a ladder as he attempted to gain access to a balcony. Work involved external redecoration of terraced residential premises. Painter/decorator was killed when he fell as he was carrying out redecoration of domestic premises. Painter/decorator aged 70 was killed when he fell from a tied ladder as he painted soffits at two storey house. Understood he had a foot condition and was wearing carpet slippers not fully on at heel. Electricial engineer aged 47 was killed when he fell from step ladder as he removed cabling. Installation of fire alarm, part of major refurbishment university. Electricial contractor aged 45 was killed when he fell from two stage ladder being footed by colleague. He was changing fluorecent light fittings at a plastics factory. Contract roofer aged 60 was killed when he fell from a ladder. He was engaged in small scale roof repairs at domestic premises. Carpenter aged 39 was killed when he fell from ladder. Engaged in applying sealant around newly fitted sash window unit at tenement flat domestic premises. Contract roofer aged 74 was killed when he fell from a ladder. He was engaged in cleaning out guttering at a 2 storey block of privately owned flats. Construction worker aged 52 was killed when he fell from a step ladder. He was engaged in the construction of a conservatory at a domestic residence. Building contractor aged 65 was killed when he fell from top of ladder when repairing guttering. Ladder did not slip or move, maintenance/repair of some dwellings. Building worker aged 71 was killed when he fell from ladder (overbalanced/ladder slipped) as he climbed to tie it to gutter, with colleague footing it. Repair domestic.

DP aged 44 was killed when he fell from ladder as he dismantled farm building. His feet slipped from the ladder as he descended during removal of steel roof trusses. Glazier aged 61 was killed when he fell from step ladder (wedged/slight incline) as he cleaned top of bay window glazing. Replacing windows in domestic property. Painter/decorator aged 44 was killed when he fell from a set of old (wooden) steps. One of the treads broke causing him to fall, he died later in hospital from complications. Deceased was painting a lounge ceiling at domestic premises. Painter/decorator aged 45 was killed when he fell from a ladder as he was preparing to mask off an area prior to doing minor paint spraying works. He was working in the main mall of a Shopping Centre in the light atrium close to a lift. Edges and Openings: Fatal accidents by Falls/Edges and Opening/Occupation Chart 28

FALLS FROM EDGES & OPENINGS BY OCCUPATION

ELECTRICIAN 3% STEEL ERECTOR 8% OTHER 16% SCAFFOLDER 3% BUILDER 12% CONSTRUCTION WORKER 12% DEMOLITION WORKER 3% LABOURER 6% CARPENTER 5% ROOFER 24%

PLANT INSTALLER 8%

Roofers have the highest number of fatal falls in this category. Steel erectors make up nearly ten percent of fatal falls in this category, which is distinct from fatal falls from steelwork. Summaries Fatal Falls from Edges and Openings A steel fixer (28) was killed when he fell down the lift core of an existing building which was being linked up to a new shopping centre development. The lift core had been temporarily covered by a number of decking sheets, but these had not been secured. He used the sheets as a shortcut and fell through them when he stepped onto one that had been inadvertently left unsupported.

A painter/decorator (24) was killed when he fell from the edge of a flat roof as he was helping to move a cradle support rig. There were no safeguards at the edge of the roof. A demolition worker (31) was killed when he fell down a lift shaft as the mini excavator that he was operating toppled from a landing and pitched down the shaft. Two labourers (both 29) were killed when they fell through an opening in a floor which they were breaking out in order to install a debris chute, they fell some 8 storeys within the building as a result. A plant installer (49) was killed when he fell from the underside of some conveyor guarding equipment which he was helping to install. A self-employed roofer (34) was killed when he fell from the metal gutter of a large steel frame building which under construction. He had been warned in the past as he had not taken adequate precautions for work. A steeplejack was killed when he fell from a roof when the roof rig he was using broke loose. He was using a gin wheel at the rig and when the rig became detached he fell from the roof parapet to the ground. A roofer (50) was killed when he fell from the edge of a pitched roof . He was understood to have been carrying out extensive work to repair the roof following storm damage. There was no edge protection and the access ladder was not tied. A steel erector (37) was killed when he fell through an unfenced opening in a partially-comp- leted steel platform. He normally made use of his harness/inertia reel to safety when carrying out erection work at a height, but in this instance the harness was not attached to the reel. A steel erector (33) was killed when he fell down a concrete core. He was reported to have fallen down a number of levels and the services void into which he fell was reported as being poorly covered. It was also reported that the voids were not adequately protected at other levels as well. A self-employed carpenter (68) working beyond the normal retirement age was killed when he fell through the roof of a partially-constructed flat roof to a domestic garage. He had not been engaged to work on the roof, but must have strayed onto the roof during the course of the other work. An electrician (35) was killed when he fell from a new build warehouse roof during sheeting operations he was assisting others to complete the roof and it appears that he stumbled as he approached the leading edge on the roof and fell through the fragile lining/insulation material that had already been installed. A self-employed roofer (29) was killed when he fell from the edge of a pitched roof. He was repointing a chimney stack and replacing some tiles on the roof and gained access using an extending ladder/roof ladder. However, there was no roof ladder at the rear elevation and he fell from the edge of the pitched roof at the rear of the premises.

A self-employed builder (59) was killed when he fell during the completion of a roof to a clubhouse that was being constructed. A construction worker (54) was killed when he fell from a consignment of pipes as they were being lifted using a set of chain slings. The chain slings failed and he fell. A roofer (37) was killed when he fell during roofing work at a football stand. He was passing up roofing sheets when he stepped into a gap formed between the sheets and fell. A demolition worker (61) was killed when he fell through a recently formed opening in the floor after he had been struck by a breaker attachment fitted on an excavator. The method of work involved working down the building and demolishing each floor in turn. No edge protection had been erected at the newly-formed opening at the time of the accident and it was also found that the excavator had a limited view of the moving excavator arm. A self-employed builder (45) was killed when he fell while he was attempting to dismantle an external metal fire escape. He had removed the top steps and then fell through the gap that had been created by the work. A roofer (24) was killed when he fell from the roof edge during the construction of a pitched roof. Edge protection was provided, but there was an excessive gap below the lower rail and the roof, and there was no toe board in place. He slipped and fell beneath the guard rail. A construction worker (25) was killed when he fell through an opening in a flat roof. The opening was formed by removal of a domed roof light and although a temporary, unsecured cover had been provided it was not sufficient to prevent the fall. A roofer (63) was killed when he fell from a 175mm wide beam on which he had been standing. He climbed onto the beam using a ladder and then walked along it for some distance. He then attempted to lower lengths of steelwork to the ground, but lost his balance and fell. A self-employed roofer (38) was killed when he fell during gutter installation work at a new industrial type pitched roof. He was using a scissor lift but the guard rails had been removed to accommodate the gutter sections. A roofer (61) was killed when he fell from the edge of a pitched roof that he was repairing. It appears that his ladder slipped on smooth, wet flagstones. A roofer (24) was killed when he fell from the edge of an industrial type roof. He was doing sheeting work and a tower scaffold was provided for access to roof level. The tower was inadequately tied to ensure stability even with the outriggers in use. The guard rail was also horizontally offset from the sheeting and the lower rail was an excessive distance above the sheeting.

A self-employed roofer (57) was killed when he fell from the eaves level at a six storey house. He was attempting to clean the roof gutters, and it was understood that no safety precautions were being taken. A building firm proprietor (51) was killed when he fell from an unprotected platform on the forks of a fork lift truck (FLT). The truck was not in motion at the time of the fall and was being used to carry out roof sheeting work. A labourer (23) was killed when he fell through an opening in the floor at a Mill premises. A steel erector (48) was killed when he fell following the collapse of the roof at a storage tank which he was involved in erecting. It was concluded that the system of work was not adequate to ensure safety during the work and was not being followed in any case. A builder (53) was killed when he fell from the edge of a pitched roof at a two storey house. He was replacing the flue liner of the chimney and it was understood that no roof ladder had been provided for access to the stack via the pitched roof. An apprentice vulcaniser (19) was killed when he fell through an opening in an access platform to a batching plant. The plant was being assembled at the same time and the apprentice was attempting to install a conveyor belt. A self-employed builder (48) fell from the edge of a warehouse roof as he approached some ladders to descend onto an adjacent flat roof. He was engaged in repair work on the roof and was returning from inspecting one of the valley gutters at the time. A steel erector (26) fell 13m from the top floor of a new store in a new town development. Slab being laid at leading edge appears to have given way and two men fell. Second person survived fall. Harness worn by both men and sala blocks located nearby. Harnesses not connected to blocks. A plasterer (50) fell from the edge of a pitched roof at a two storey end of terrace house as he was attempting to demolish a chimney stack at the ridge. Scaffold tower at gable end but no roof edge protection. Only partial edge protection provided at working platform. A construction site manager (59) fell whilst carrying out examination of a scaffold from pre cast stair unit. A roofer (53) fell 2.6m from the flat roofed area of a council house. He was laying bitumen felt and stepped backwards off the unprotected roof edge. He died two weeks later. A self-employed roofer (34) fell from the edge of a pitched roof to a two storey house, when his home-made roof ladder slid down the roof. He was engaged in replacing the chimney pots and an access scaffold was in position, but unfortunately he slid beneath the single guard rail at the edge of the roof.

Deceased fell through a well hole on a demolition site. He returned to the site after hours and climbed over the hoarding apparently with the intention of sleeping on site. He was found beneath the well hole which had been provided with double guard rail. Deceased (65) fell down a flight of stairs on a demolition site. It was thought that the tread protection at the stairs may have been linked to the fall. Deceased (28) fell approx 7m from the leading edge of the hollow rib decking which was being installed on the first floor of the structure. Harnesses/inertia reels/running lines in evidence. He was moving towards unopened pack of decking, was not clipped on as running line was not fitted in an appropriate position for this operation. Deceased (60) fell from a roof whilst carrying out repairs. A roof ladder was in position for use on the ridge where the repairs were required . It appears that the deceased fell from the edge of the roof despite the roof ladder access provided. A self-employed roofer (27) fell some 12m from the edge of a roof at a four storey house. He had gained access to the roof using a conventional ladder and roof ladder and was intending to carry out repairs. It was reported that a scaffold was to be erected for access/edge protection but this was not in place at the time of the accident. A self-employed builder aged 68, fell whilst he was redecorating the exterior of a public house. He fell from the edge of the pitched roof above a bay window. Fitter aged 23 was killed when he fell down a vertical section of ventilation ducting. He was involved in the commissioning of the air conditioning plant to a newly built office block at the time. A scaffolding Sub-contractor (21) fell some 3m whilst removing safety nets that had been provided for earlier roofing work. He used a ladder for access to the first floor roof beams where no edge protection had been provided. Heating engineer aged 46 was killed when he fell into an unguarded stairwell opening. A tower scaffold which had provided protection during the refurbishment had been removed sometime earlier. Carpenter aged 54 was killed when he fell through opening in a concrete floor slab. Roofer aged 26 was killed when he fell as he was repointing ridge tiles on the roof of domestic premises. Roof ladder in use. Proprietor aged 72 was killed when he fell from the edge of a pitched roof. He was tiling the roof of a house extension at the time. Ganger aged 52 was killed when he fell from the edge of a roof during concrete pouring. He was knocked over by the concrete supply pipe and fell. No toe boards fitted at edge protection guardrails.

Carpenter aged 60 was killed when he fell down a lift shaft during the refurbishment of a workshop. He was helping to fix sheets of plaster board. Builder aged 60 was killed when he fell from the edge of a pitched roof at a house. He was inspecting the roof at the time and the surface was damp. Bricklayer aged 61 was killed when he fell down a stairwell at premises which were under going refurbishment. The stairs had been removed and no guardrails had been provided. Construction worker was killed when he fell from a pitched roof. He was involved in the replacement of a dormer window and no precautions taken to prevent falls from height. Electrician aged 46 was killed when he fell down a lift shaft. He was reaching out from under the single guardrail when he fell over the edge. Self-employed partner aged 40 was killed when he fell through an opening in a flat roof. He was assisting with the lowering of boiler plant through the roof opening at a hospital extension project. Roofer aged 43 was killed when he fell from the edge of a domestic pitched roof during retiling work. Scaffold to front elevation only, he fell from the rear of roof. Construction worker aged 37 was killed when he fell through a temporary opening in a roof. He was assisting with the lowering of a pre-cast stair unit at the time as part of the construction of a new school. Scaffolder aged 32 was killed when he fell from a five storey block of flats as he was helping to move the roof rig at a suspended access cradle. The cradle was being used for exterior painting work and he fell when the rig became dislodged and fell to the street. Fitter aged 22 was killed when he fell from the edge of a domestic pitched roof. He was surveying the site prior to installing a satellite dish aerial. Self-employed builder aged 66 was killed when he fell from stair entrance to loft space to floor below. He was converting garage to living accommodation at farm. Installer aged 19 was killed when he fell from the roof of a spray booth. He was attempting to connect a flexible duct as part of the booth installation at premises. Worker aged 29 was killed when he fell from an unguarded edge at a rotary kiln. The guard rail had been removed in order for other work on the kiln to be completed. He was engaged in concrete lining of the kiln. Self-employed builder aged 42 was killed when he fell from the edge of a mezzanine floor. He was engaged in cutting the floor covering to size as part of the construction of the mezzanine floor which was located at industrial premises.

Self-employed joiner aged 60 was killed when he fell from a windowsill. He was attempting to seal a window unit following fitting of replacement at a domestic flat Scaffold foreman aged 29 was killed when he fell from an open edge during erection of falsework. Project involved construction of a rail link. Construction worker aged 43 was killed when he fell from a roof terrace. He was engaged in repairs to the rendering during refurbishment of several blocks of flats. Subcontractor was killed when he fell from the edge of an unprotected stairwell, at first floor level. He was moving wooden panels in a house under construction. Electrical subcontractor aged 22 was killed when he fell from the edge of a mezzanine foor when the temporarily installed permanent handrail gave way. Project was construction of new cold store warehouse. Low loader driver aged 63 was killed when he fell from an excavator which was on the low loader. He was unloading the excavator at the roadside prior to resurfacing/building new tennis courts at school premises. Building labourer was killed when he fell from mezzanine floor that was being dismantled. Project involved alterations to builders merchants premises. Roofer aged 36 was killed when he fell through open joists from a partially boarded floor. Project involved refurbishment of multi-storey mansion block. Subcontract erector aged 39 was killed when he fell from edge of racking bay. He was engaged in erection of storage racking and conveyor systems for order picking in existing distribution centre building. Painter/decorator aged 56 was killed when he fell from the landing of a lift. He was engaged in painting the lift, which was part of construction of hospital premises. Contract builder aged 63 was killed when he fell from the top of transit type van. He was engaged in refurbishment work at photographic studio premises at time. Painter aged 64 was killed when he fell from the edge of flat roof at an adjoining property. He was engaged in painting work at the gable end of domestic premises. Contractor aged 60 was killed when he fell from the roof of his van. He was attempting to unload scaffolding tubes during repair work at domestic premises. Roofer aged 57 was killed when he fell from the edge of a pitched roof. Make-shift roof ladder used and no edge protection in place for repairs. Heavy rain at time. Construction worker aged 56 was killed when he fell through an opening as he removed cover. Construction of basement room on side of a domestic dwelling. Contractor aged 48 was killed when he fell into a conveyor pit at an automotives factory. He was installing a waste conveyor and tripped at the edge of the pit.

Migrant construction worker aged 27 was killed when he fell from a window ledge onto a small roof, then to a set of railings below. Work involved fitting a new bathroom window in a second floor flat. He was working alone at the time. Roofing contractor aged 42 was killed when he fell from edge of pitched roof at rear. Scaffold erected at front of domestic property only, roof retiled, doing flashing. Air conditioning engineer aged 53 was killed when he fell from the edge of a flat roof which was three storeys high. He was inspecting a chiller unit located on the roof of the industrial premises, which were undergoing final snagging. Specialist contractor aged 38 was killed when he fell through an opening in a flat roof where a rooflight was due to be fitted. He was engaged to fit a fall arrest system on the flat roof of a newly built block of six apartments. Construction worker aged 41 was killed when he fell through an opening in the floor. He had previously cut the hole in the concrete floor and made good for a service duct. He climbed over a barrier to gain access during construction office block. Aerial installer aged 31 was killed when he fell as he completed an aerial installation at a customers house. Appears that concrete/brickwork also fell on top of him.

Scaffolds/Work Platforms:
Fatal accidents by Falls/Scaffold/Occupation Chart 29

FALLS FROM SCAFFOLDING/ PLATFORMS - BY OCCUPATION

MEMBER OF PUBLIC 3% ELECTRICIAN 3% ROOFER 10% LABOURER 10%
PAINTER/DECORATOR

CARPENTER 6%

SCAFFOLDER 21%

8% OTHER 18%

BRICKLAYER 6%

BUILDER 15%

Most fatal fall accidents in this category do not involve scaffolders, but other trades who are using the scaffold or work platform. However, scaffolders do make up the largest occupational group at almost a quarter. Summaries Fatal Falls from Scaffolds and Work Platforms A scaffolder (50) was killed when he fell from a scaffold as it was being dismantled. As he was assisting in the removal of cantilevered gantry section, one of the

transoms pivoted unexpectedly and the boards slid forwards. He fell to the ground and subsequently it was found that the fitting to the transom in question was missing. Harnesses were available for use during hazardous operations of this kind but were not used. A self-employed painter/decorator (34) was killed when he fell while he was attempting to move a staging board into position as he painted the inside of the trussed roof. The safety harness he was wearing was not connected to an anchorage point. A scaffolder (31) was killed when he fell down a lift shaft following the collapse of the scaffold platform in the shaft. It was established that the tower scaffold within the shaft had been left in an imcomplete condition by other, qualified scaffolders. A ventilation installer (48) was killed when he fell from tower scaffold which did not have guard rails. He was attempting to manhandle a damper unit into position at the time. A self-employed painter was killed when he fell from the first-lift level of a scaffold as he was painting a bedroom window. There was no intermediate guard rail or toe board in place at the point where he fell. A self-employed builder (61) was killed when he fell from a scaffold during the dismantling of a protective fan. A trap end was created as he dismantled the fan and he fell to the ground as a result. A scaffolding company proprietor (54) was killed when he fell from a scaffold which he was helping to erect. No fault/reason could be found for the fall. A bricklayer (62) was killed when he fell from a temporary trestle platform which he was using to remove ventilation ducting at ceiling level. The platform consisted of tower scaffold base with a trestle on it, together with a boarded top. A bricklayers labourer (31) was killed when he fell through scaffold platform. He was wheeling a barrow at the time and may have been attempting to carry out unauthorised modifications to a boarded ramp to ease his task. Self-employed builder fell 7 metres from overhang of imcomplete birdcage scaffold at former cinema premises. Overhang approx 1.5 metres. No edge protection. Deceased used his own ladders to access the scaffold. Appears that he had no reason to be on scaffold. Scaffolding work began on 18/8 and was due to be completed (in stages) within 4 weeks. Deceased was alone in premises at the time. Four employees fell 80 feet when the suspended gantry from which they were working (to replace the gantry runaway beams) ran off the end of the section of runway beam they had just completed. System involved gantry running on two sets of beams. The front trolley wheels ran on the old beams which were being removed as the gantry progressed. The rear trolley wheels ran on the newly fixed rails, but were not retained by the beam clamps used as end stops. As gantry tipped into vertical position, men and work equipment fell.

Deceased fell approx 6m when a domestic type tower scaffold overturned. He was painting the upper levels of a two storey house and it was thought possible that he was using a ladder on the tower platform in order to gain access to the upper storey. Deceased (35) fell from an access cage which was suspended from a mobile crane. He was working with one other in the cage to replace cross bracings to the roof of the industrial building. He fell some 10m to the ground when the gate of the access cage swung open. The gate was outward opening. The deceased was wearing a harness but failed to clip on. A welder (52) fell 10m from scaffold as he descending to ground level. He jumped onto the fifth lift level and fell through a 1m gap between the boardsand a hop up. The scaffold was considered to be of poor construction and not well maintained. A street lighting maintenance electrician (25) fell from a MEWP when it was struck by a passing lorry. The MEWP was being used after dark on a single carriageway trunk road to repair the street lights. No cones or warning signs had been placed on the road, although some were available. Also deceased did not use safety harness available to clip onto platform. Self employed rigging worker aged 26 was killed as he was erecting suspended work platforms for cleaning a roof void. He appears to have climbed from a catwalk, over a guard rail (1.2m high) and onto a lightweight staging board. He fell approx. 35 metres and did not have a lanyard attached to his harness. Worker aged 53 was killed whilst working off a 1.6 metre high tower scaffold cutting brackets from old pipes in a ceiling during a refurbishment job. He fell backwards from the scaffold, which had inadequate guard rails. Advanced scaffolder was killed as he was dismantling a large tube and fitting scaffold. It had been in position for some 6 months to provide access for the painting of storage tanks. It was thought that he was attempting to descend to the lift below by climbing down the outside of the scaffold. He fell from a scaffold tube which was only fixed by a single coupler and swivelled out with him on it. He was wearing a harness but it was not clipped on. 66 year old partner in father and son roofing business was working from his own 6m high H-frame tower scaffold. He was engaged in re-roofing domestic premises. The guardrail only extended across the rear of the working platform, he fell from platform. Labourer aged 38 was killed when he fell from a tower scaffold. He was helping to erect the tower at the time as part of the access for the refurbishment of building. Self-employed builder aged 47 was killed when he fell from a tower scaffold as he attempted to add an extra lift. He was carrying out rendering work on domestic premises at the time.

Two scaffolders aged 36 and 42 were killed when they fell during dismantling of scaffold access ramp. It appears they were loading tubes onto frame situated on hoist platform at time. Painter aged 53 was killed when he fell into a basement well during the external decoration of residential flats. Scaffold board walkway over the well failed causing him to fall. Roofer aged 46 was killed when he fell from a pallet during unloading of slates. Pallet was raised to top guard rail of scaffold and the roofer fell when he climbed over rail onto pallet. Proprietor aged 55 was killed when he fell from the platform of a cherry picker. Equipment failed during examination/test and he was tipped out. Steeplejack aged 57 was killed when he fell with a suspended scaffold. The scaffold was supported by brickwork at the pinnacle of the roof and this collapsed, causing the scaffold and occupant to fall to the ground. Electrical supervisor aged 53 killed when he fell from tower scaffold as it overturned. Employee aged 54 was killed when he fell from a crawling board which had been placed on a fragile roof. He was helping to remove the fragile roofsheets. Labourer aged 63 was killed when he fell from the access ramp to a skip. He was loading waste into the skip as part of the work for a 2 storey domestic extension. Carpenter aged 40 was killed when he fell from a scaffold platform. The guardrail on the platform gave way, causing him to fall. Bricklayer was killed when he fell from a scaffold platform. The guardrail had not been erected to facilitate loading by fork lift truck. Employee aged 63 was killed when he fell from the end of some staging. He fell 1.8 metres onto concrete. Employee was killed when he fell from a scaffold platform. There were no guard rails and the untied access ladder fell to the ground at the same time. Employee of scaffolder aged 52 was killed when he fell from a scaffold platform. He was struck by a falling tube and knocked from the scaffold which had guardrails. Contractor aged 30 was killed when he fell through the gap between a scaffold platform and the exterior wall at the premises. He was involved in the refurbishment of a terraced house. Self employed builder aged 60 was killed when he fell from an incomplete tower scaffold and scaffold board access arrangement to a roof. He was engaged in storm damage repairs to roof.

Demolition worker aged 39 was killed when he fell from a scaffold board which broke after he stepped onto it. Employee aged 38 was killed when he fell from a scaffold platform erected at large domestic premises. The scaffold had been altered/was incomplete and the ladder access removed. Roofer aged 49 was killed when he fell from first lift of scaffold. No guard rails fitted and lift not boarded out. Likely he was working off a single board. A child (12) fell from the fourth lift of five lift scaffold erected at a residential block. He had been playing on scaffold with other boys after working hours, having gained access from a communal walkway. Chicken wire had been erected at some of the walkways to prevent rubbish being dumped, but this could easily be pulled to one side. Member of the public, aged 31 fell from a scaffold which had been erected outside a shop. Access ladder had been removed by scaffolding contractor. Scaffolding supervisor aged 38 was killed when he fell from scaffolding as he attempted to secure 3 Tonne duct section, part of steel plant furnace extraction. Roofer aged 36 was killed when he fell from a roof sheet which pivotted causing him to fall. Overlapping sheets fixed and used as platform, the sheet in question required realignment. Re-roofing was part of major school building refurbishment Steeplejack aged 56 was killed when he fell within a 200m high chimney. He was engaged in lining the flue as part of a power station gas desulphurisation project. Building worker aged 61 was killed when he fell from an internal scaffold debris platform which was not fitted out as a working platform. He was engaged in the replacement of glazed north lights to a factory roof. Joiner aged 56 was killed when he fell from an incomplete scaffold platform. He was assisting a scaffolder on the platform without guardrails, as part of the construction of a water storage tank at a water treatment works site. Roofer aged 35 was killed when he fell from the fourth lift of a scaffold. He was engaged in roofwork at a high street shopping centre. Civil engineering worker aged 56 was killed when he fell from a proprietory scaffold he was erecting. The scaffold was a temporary structure to support a pipeline at a sewage works. Nuclear decommissioning worker aged 36 was killed, when he fell during the removal of steelwork in a disused pile. In order to carry out the work he anchored lanyard of his harness, left the platform and fell, but lanyard failed to arrest fall.

Refrigeration engineer aged 36 was killed when he fell from a tower scaffold. He was working on refrigeration plant as part of the refurbishment of an existing industrial unit to provide a meat distribution facility. Scaffolder aged 44 was killed when he fell into a hot metal pit at a steelworks. He was erecting a cantilevered scaffold which overturned into the pit, causing fall. Foreman aged 40 was killed when he fell from a steel mezzanine floor, whilst it was being dismantled at factory workshop premises. He stepped onto a partially dismantled section of the floor which gave way causing him to fall. Construction worker aged 30 was killed when he fell as the tower scaffold he was working from overturned. He was engaged in minor work at domestic premises. Roofer aged 46 was killed when he fell from an elevated work platform during fixing of roof sheets. Project involved an extension to warehouse type retail premises Carpenter aged 50 was killed when he fell from incomplete platform during fixing of window frame. Project involved new build domestic/commercial premises. Painter/decorator aged 60 was killed when he fell from painting cradle which tipped vertically when support lines failed. Three others in cradle survived fall. Cladder aged 40 was killed when he fell from mobile elevated work platform. Engaged in enabling work for major alterations at food processing factory. Steeplejack aged 37 was killed when he fell as working platform at top of brick chimney collapsed. He was found to be still clipped to platform following fall. Scaffolder aged 50 was killed when he fell from scaffold as it was being dismantled. He was attempting to refit satellite dish using platform following removal of guardrails at completion of internal/external refurbishment of block of domestic flats. Carpenter aged 58 was killed when he fell from open joists which had been temporarily fixed. Engaged in refurbishment work at former foundry premises. Labourer aged 43 was killed when he fell from scaffold. Was engaged in removing asbestos roof sheets from single storey barn, conversion to domestic premises. Trainee scaffolder aged 17 was killed when he fell from partially completed birdcage scaffold. Scaffold inside tank for major refurbishment of water treatment works. Building labourer aged 41 was killed when he fell from a home-made work platform on a telehandler, as it overturned. He was engaged in the erection of a steel framed agricultural building at a farm. Steel erector aged 25 was killed when swept off work platform as lifting equipment failed catastrophically. Involved bridge structure linking buildings at high level.

Bricklayer was killed when he was knocked from platform resting on trestles by blockwork which was blown down. Conversion of farm to domestic dwelling. Steel fixer aged 24 was killed when he fell from a temporary work platform. Extensive work involved conversion of commercial premises to domestic flats. Scaffolder aged 23 was killed when he fell as he dismantled a general access scaffold. Landed on rebar/punctured lung, construction sewage treatment facilities. Painter/decorator aged 67 was killed when he fell from a tower scaffold as he was decorating a classroom at a school. Sustained fractures, later died in hospital. Building worker aged 50 was killed when he fell from scaffolding erected around a house undergoing extension. No access ladders were attached to scaffold at time. Mason aged 25 killed when he fell from scaffolding at first floor level while repointing brickwork to outside of the building. Refurbishment of commercial premises. TRANSPORT Fatal accidents by Total Transport Chart 30 Transport Fatal accidents involving Reversing Summaries Transport Fatal accidents involving Overturning Summaries Transport Fatal accidents involving Road Transport Vehicles Summaries Transport Fatal accidents involving Site Plant Summaries Transport accidents in construction are still one of the most significant causes of fatal injuries in the sector. A number of operations give rise to particular concerns and these include; reversing, overturning of vehicles (particularly common where sloping ground is involved), the proximity of motor vehicles (e.g. work on motorways) and the proximity of site plant. This pattern is, unfortunately, well established, and comprehensive guidance is now available in Health and Safety Booklet HS(G)144, The Safe use of Vehicles on Construction Sites. Fatal accidents Transport Total Chart 30

FATALITIES 1997/98-2004/05 TOTAL TRANSPORT

SITE PLANT 26% REVERSING 23%

ROAD TRAFFIC VEHICLES 35%

OVERTURNING 16%

Traffic Management was involved in 21 out of the 95 Transport fatal accidents Traffic Management overall percentage 22%. The Traffic Management fatal accidents consisted of 4 fatalities as a result of vehicles reversing and 17 Road Transport Vehicle fatal accidents. This represents 25% of Reversing fatal accidents and 50% of Road Transport Vehicle fatal accidents. No Traffic Management issues were involved in the Overturning and Site Plant fatal accidents. Summaries - Transport Fatal accidents involving Reversing The driver of a bulldozer (33) was crushed to death when he was trapped between a reversing dumper and a stationary roller which was hitched to the back of the bulldozer. He had stopped to examine the roller which was malfunctioning. He was wearing ear plugs at the time and it was subsequently found that he would not have heard the reversing alarm fitted to the dumper. A groundworker (61) was killed when he was struck by a reversing lorry shortly after the vehicle had been loaded up on-site. The lorry was an old model and was not fitted with a reversing alarm, and the rear view mirrors only gave the driver a partial view of the area behind the vehicle. It was reported that the ground worker set off to walk behind the vehicle even though he was aware that it was about to reverse, but no attempt was made on site to set up a one way system, or separate vehicles from pedestrians. A banksman (59) was killed when he was struck by a reversing tracked bulldozer. At the time he was directing the operations of delivery vehicles, tipping loads of capping material, before the bulldozer was used to level the material. He was not expected to direct the operations of the bulldozer however, and it appears he had spoken to the driver only a short time before the accident occurred. As the bulldozer reversed away it appears that he crossed immediately behind it and was struck. A road worker (34) was killed when he was struck by a reversing traffic management vehicle. Work was in progress in a coned off area on a motorway and the vehicle did not have working reversing lights or reversing alarm.

A roadworker (58) was killed when he was struck by a reversing road sweeper. The vehicle was cleaning the road surface during resurfacing work and had a functioning reversing alarm and warning light. The vehicle reversed back over a section of a road to remove some loose tarmac and struck the roadworker as it did so. There was no banksman in attendance. A carpenter (59) was struck by a van which was visiting the site and after making a delivery reversed along the site access road. The deceased was walking in the road which was used by vehicles and pedestrians with no separation. Van driver reported to be travelling at speed. Deceased sustained fatal head injuries when he was run over by a reversing lorry delivering blacktop to motorway resurfacing site. Lorry reversing through the roadworks to get to the paving machine. Deceased was working ahead of the machine sealing joints. Limited lighting at accident scene. Lorry had reversed approx 1000m, no banksman. A carpenter (54) was struck by a dumper which was being reversed as a part of a loading operation. He was wearing hi-viz clothing and was struck whilst on the main access route onto site. The loading work was planned to take place off the roadway. A piling foreman (35) was crushed when an excavator reversed into a piling rig. He was pulling spoil from the auger at the time and the impact with the excavator caused the guide gate of the rig to slam shut crushing him. Employee, aged 32 was struck by an excavator as it was reversing. He was attempting to convey some lifting chains to the excavator at the time. Site storeman aged 54 was killed when he was struck by a telehandler vehicle. The telehandler was being reversed out of the site compound entrance at the time. Construction worker aged 38 was killed when he was run over by a tracked excavator as it reversed. He was helping to erect a safety barrier around an excavation at the time. Road resurfacing worker was killed when he was struck by a trailer during reversing operations. He was attempting to act as a banksman at the time. Clerk of works aged 61 was killed when he was struck by a reversing road sweeper. He was involved with overnight road works on a dual carriageway. Pedestrian was killed when she was struck by a reversing lorry. She walked around segregation barriers into an area where road and pavement work was ongoing. An employee of road sensor contractor was killed when he was struck by a reversing traffic management vehicle. The vehicle reversed after the cones were dispensed.

An elderly member of the public (92) was killed when he was struck by a HGV as it reversed across the pavement during minor road repairs. It was reported that the vehicle was in a poor state of maintenance. A member of the public (50) was killed when she was struck by a van. The vehicle was reversing out of the roadworks site, the road having been closed for the duration of the work. This had the effect of forcing members of the public to walk in the road, and the turning area in the site was blocked by parked cars so that the van driver reversed without assistance. Groundworker aged 40 was killed when he was struck by a telehandler as it was reversed. He was using a cutter in the middle of the site access road on the small housebuilding site. Traffic management operative aged 28 was killed when he was struck by a traffic management vehicle as it was reversed following the placing of cones for a third lane closure on a motorway. The work involved repairs to the crash barrier. Female pedestrian aged 54 was killed when she was struck by a skip lorry as it reversed across a pavement into site entrance. She was wheeling her bicycle at time. Project involved demolition of school premises and construction of housing. Quantity Surveyor aged 51 was killed when he was struck by a telehandler that was reversing. The project involved the construction of student flats. Traffic management worker aged 57 was killed when he was struck by a Traffic Management vehicle that was reversing. He was removing cones in order to reopen a section of the road during major upgrading work on a trunk road. Labourer aged 56 was killed when he was struck by a grading vehicle as it was reversing. He was holding a measuring staff for a laser level during construction of a large car parking area. Groundworker aged 22 was killed when he was struck by a tracked excavator as it was reversing. Project was 6 weeks into a 16 week project to extend existing factory. Pedestrian aged 91 was killed when she was struck by a 7.5 ton lorry which stopped alongside a road excavation whilst loading during site operations. The lorry was reversing as it prepared to move away. Work involved repairs to gas pipeline. Summaries Transport Fatal accidents involving Overturning A mini excavator driver (47) was killed when he was crushed beneath his machine as it overturned. He was transferring concrete into a trench and the machine overturned while standing on a 120 slope. He fell through the open door of the cab and was trapped beneath the excavator. A machine driver (27) was killed when he was crushed beneath a rough terrain, telescopic handling vehicle as it overturned. He was attempting to manoeuvre the vehicle into position to refuel it, which involved getting it close to the fuel dispensing

point. A number of factors contributed to the overturning including , the slope of the ground, the presence of an excavation and a heap of sand close to the refuelling point, and a defective front tyre on the vehicle. The driver jumped from the vehicle as it overturned, but he was struck by the boom and defective front tyre on the vehicle. The driver jumped from the vehicle as it overturned, but he was struck by the boom and was killed. A plant driver (57) was killed when he was crushed by an overturning compactor vehicle which he was reversing off the rear of a flatbed delivery vehicle. The compactor was reversing down the ramp when it slid to one side and the driver was trapped beneath the roll-over bar. (Both reversing and overturning involved in this incident!) A forestry worker (43) was killed when he was crushed beneath a dumper truck which overturned on a steep incline. The dumper was not fitted with roll-overprotection and the effect of the steep gradient on the dumper had not been considered. A labourer (30) was killed when he was crushed beneath a fork truck which he was driving, when it ran down a slope out of control and overturned. The truck was in a poor condition and the breaks were inoperable. A ground worker (47) was killed when he crushed beneath a man-riding, tandem roller which he was driving. The roller overturned on a slope, while it was being used to roll out rock. Deceased (26) was crushed beneath a small road roller which he was driving when it overturned. The roller was being used to reinstate a farm track following pipelaying work. It overturned down a slope on the banks of a stream, finishing up in the stream. No ROPS provided. A fork lift operator (19) was crushed beneath a telescopic handling machine when it overturned on a housebuilding site. He was carrying roof trusses on the forks at a height of some 7m when he turned off the site roadway and the vehicle overturned on the rough ground. He was crushed as he attempted to leave the cab and the vehicle moved again. It was reported that he may have been using a mobile phone whilst driving the machine. A lorry driver, was loading a bundle of reinforced bar onto a low-loader, using the HIAB unit on a second vehicle. It was necessary for the two vehicles to be in close proximity to achieve the loadingoperation. As a result, there was insufficient room for one of the outriggers on the HIAB to be fully extended and the deceased decided to retract it completely. When the lift started the HIAB lorry began to overturn as the load was slewed over the retracted outrigger. The deceased was crushed between the can of the HIAB and the bed of the low-loader as tried to escape from the overturning unit. Driver aged 63 was killed when the dumper he was operating overturned. The dumper was being loaded onto a flat back vehicle using the vehicle ramp at the time.

Groundworker aged 39 was killed when the mini digger he was operating overturned. He was crushed as it overturned down a steep slope in a garden. Driver aged 41 was killed when he was crushed beneath a tractor which overturned. He was engaged in installation of drainage pipes at the time. Driver aged 61 was killed when the dumper he was operating overturned. As the dumper was reversed on a narrow towpath it overturned into a nearby ditch. Driver aged 31 was killed when the dumper he was operating overturned. The dumper ran off the site haul road and overturned in a drainage ditch. Driver was killed when the dumper he was operating overturned. The dumper ran off the top of flood bank and overturned into the river, drowning driver. Driver aged 31 was killed when the articulated dumper truck he was operating overturned. The dumper overturned in the dumping area, and was fitted with seat belt and roll over protection. Preparation work for car park at a farm. Construction worker aged 39 was killed when tipper truck overturned as the body was raised to discharge a load. Landscaping project at crematorium car park. Dumper driver aged 64 was killed when forward tipping dumper overturned on slope after reversing. He was depositing material to form a new single-track road. Summaries Transport Fatal accidents involving Road Transport Vehicles A surveyor (27) was struck and killed by a passing car, which ran out of control on a trunk road while he was carrying out surveying work with the help of an assistant. Both individuals were wearing high visibility jackets, but no warning signs had been provided for their use during the course of the work on the carriageway. A roadworker (53) was killed when he was struck by a passing car as he attemptede to cross a motorway on foot. He was putting out warning signs before dawn as a part of a lane closure so that work could be carried out later in the day. A roadworker (32) was killed when he was struck by a passing carwhich ran out of control and entered the coned off section of motorway where he was working. The roadworker was installing protective netting for overbridge work at the time and it was understood that the car driver may have been drinking before the accident occurred. A motorcyclist (28) was killed when he was in collision with a stationary roadworks vehicle as it was being used to collect cones on a motorway. Three motorcyles were attempting to overtake an HGV before it reached the tapered coned section at the roadworks. Two of the motorcycles passed by safely, but the third entered the coned off section and collided with roadworks

A roadworker (26) was killed when he was struck by a motor car on the highway as he was moving roadworks signs on a dual carriageway. He was using a vehicle which was parked on the opposite carriageway at the time. A clerk of works (49) was killed when he was struck by a motor car on the public highway. He was working on a roadworks contract to add new lanes to a dual carriageway road. A telecommunications engineer (40) was killed when he was struck by a motor car which mounted the kerb/pavement. He was using a cable locator to identify services beneath the pavement at the time. Deceased was driving a highway vehicle which was being used to collect up the cones. The highway vehicle was stationary as it has reached the taper in the cones. At this point an HGV travelling along the road crushed into the remaining cones and struck the highway vehicle. The worker on the back of the highway vehicle was injured in the collision. The vehicle driver however, was propelled by the impact through the cab and out into the fast lane where he was struck by another vehicle and killed. The work involved repairs to a colvert and for this purpose the inside lane of the dual carriageway was coned off and signed in accordance with Chapter 8. The job was completed off peak in accordance with the contract. Two traffic management (TM) operatives aged 29 and 39 were killed when they were struck by an HGV. They were unloading signs from a TM vehicle at the time to allow bridge works on a dual carriageway. Driver aged 42 was killed when he was struck by a bus during spoil clearing work. He was operating a lorry mounted lifting unit which was struck by the passing bus Construction worker aged 59 was killed when he was struck by a motor car during road surfacing work. Roadworker aged 22 was killed when he was struck by a motor car during minor road surface reinstatement work. Employee aged 38 was killed when he was struck by a motor car. He was putting out road signs and was struck as he crossed to the central reservation. Driver of motor vehicle was killed when in collision with a mobile road-block vehicle on a motorway. Flatbed road-block vehicle fitted with crash cushion. Employee killed when he was struck by an HGV. Erecting traffic signs on motorway. Traffic management worker was killed when he was struck by a spare wheel which had become detached from the trailer of a passing articulated vehicle. Road resurfacing worker was killed when he was struck by a bus as it passed the roadworks. He was setting level of milling/planing machine at the time.

Traffic management worker was killed when he was struck by a passing tanker on a motorway. He was removing last cone from closure taper at the time. Motor cyclist was killed when he collided with extended outrigger of a mobile crane. Crane on service road, lifting equipment from roof. Employee aged 48 was killed when his vehicle was in collision with a coach on a coned off lane of a motorway. A contraflow system allowed carriageway repairs. Traffic management worker age 37 was killed when he was struck by a passing car. He was attempting to cross to central reservation at a dual carriageway. Two members of the public were killed when the car they were travelling in collided with a bridge pier on a motorway. The car swerved to avoid a sledge hammer which had slipped from the hands of a motorway maintenance foreman. He was using the hammer to repair a section of the crash barrier which had been damaged in an earlier accident by an HGV. Member of public was killed when her motor car struck a traffic management sign on the carriageway of a motorway. As a result she lost control of the vehicle and crashed. The sign was one of a number that had not been secured. Highways Inspector aged 40 was killed when he was struck by a lorry on a motorway. He was on foot and attempting to photograph recently completed works on the hard shoulder. Agency traffic management worker aged 43 was killed when he was struck by a lorry. He was operating a stop/go board on an existing section of single carriageway road, when the lorry struck him as it passed Go. The project involved the construction of a new, dual carriageway, bypass road. Driver was killed when his lorry was in collision with a traffic management crash cushion vehicle. Traffic management removal on high speed dual carriageway. Labourer aged 59 was killed when he was struck by an articulated lorry. He stepped back into the live traffic lane after crossing into a coned off area. The project involved the major upgrading of a trunk road. Roadworker aged 50 was killed when he was struck by a private motor car. He was removing cones and sign for temporary closure of slip road to motorway, as part of tree trimming/safety barrier repair work. Traffic management foreman aged 50 was killed when he became entangled in roped cones and was dragged along by a passing articulated lorry. The project involved the resurfacing of a dual carriageway trunk road. Subcontract cable layer aged 23 was killed when he was struck by a private motor car. He was banking an excavator which was leaving the area at the end of the day. The project involved laying cables in the verge of a single carriageway road.

Member of public aged 78 was killed when he drove into stationary white lining vehicle. His car went through line of cones at roadworks on high speed trunk road. Car driver aged 33 was killed when his vehicle struck unlit traffic management vehicle parked on the hard shoulder of motorway, where running lanes changed over. Fencing erector aged 38 was killed when he was crushed between his van and roadside barrier, during motorway maintenance work. Heavy goods vehicle passing through contraflow system struck van parked in coned off area causing fatal injuries. Car driver aged 41 was killed when his vehicle struck rear of parked road planing machine within coned area. Large roadworks contract/traffic management system. Car driver aged 18 was killed when motor car struck motorway maintenance vehicle which was stationary on hard shoulder. Lone worker on carriageway working. Understood car swerved from outside lane to hard shoulder shortly before impact. Road maintenance worker aged 53 was killed when he was struck by a motor vehicle that went off the road. He was working on an embankment at the time. Summaries Transport Fatal accidents involving Site Plant Construction worker aged 22 was killed when he was struck by a FLT on a house build site. The truck was being driven by an untrained 24 year old who was using it to pick up a mortar skip. Construction worker aged 55 was killed when he was struck by a dumper on a house build site. He is reported to have emerged from behind another dumper. Deceased was driving a 6 tonne Thwaites articulated dumper along a potholed, but reasonably even track. The dumper was seen to slow down and the deceased stood up, apparently in pain/suffering from a seizure of some kind. He fell from the drivers platform and his head was crushed beneath the rear O/S wheel. Dumper provided with ROPS and a seat belt but this was not being used at the time of the incident. A dumper driver, was crushed between the dumper ROPS and the bucket of an excavator. This occurred as he was removing the chains from a manhole ring which had just been lifted into the skip of the dumper by the excavator. It was reported that the dumper moved forward down the slope as he was removing the chains and the deceased sustained head injuries. Deceased was crushed against side of upper part of a shaft and dragged over top of shaft side by slewing excavator, resulting in 20m fall down the shaft. The two PCs were working behind schedule and this may have contributed to the close working and lack of clear working space. An experienced ground worker assisting in the concreting of a new manhole installation. Concrete was to be placed into the manhole shutter inside a trench box using the bucket of a 360 excavator: Deceased was one of two ground workers

assisting. As the excavator moved into position for the concrete transfer deceased apparently tried to pass between the machine and the trench box, for reasons NK. He was crushed when the machine slewed. When the driver had started his manoeuvre into position beside the trench box deceased had been visible in safe position, wearing Hi-viz garment. Deceased was crushed between the rear of a rotating excavator and a wall. The excavator was being slewed around in an excessively confined area, and the deceased was acting as a banksman. Worker was killed when he was employed as part of small team laying drainage pipes. An excavator was being used, and as it was slewed he was crushed between the counterweight and nearby stored pipes. Pipelayer aged 34 was killed when he was crushed between a pipe and the counterweight of an excavator as it slewed into position. He was preparing to attach slings to the pipe before lifting it into position. A bricklayers labourer (29) apparently run over by Manitou 728 maniscopic FLT. Machine had been driven about 300 yds from site compound to showhouse to move a lawn sprinkler. Driver returned within minutes to find deceased fatally injured on site road about 50 yards from where he had set out. Deceased had started a new mix as the bricklayers went for their lunch break. Mixer was on side of site road near junction, with deceased's car parked opposite. He was found with a yogurt pot in his hand suggesting he was returning to the mixer from his car. FLT driver claims no knowledge of running over him: no witnesses. Employee aged 62 was killed when he was crushed by the bucket of a loader. The loader rolled away down a bank trapping him in an excavation. Driver aged 48 was killed when he was crushed against his premix concrete lorry by a dumper. The (17 year old) dumper driver failed to stop as he approached the rear of the lorry. Company director aged 56 was killed when he was struck on the head by the bucket of a mini excavator as the excavator slewed round. Employee aged 37 was killed when he was crushed between the tracks and slewing body of a mini excavator. His clothing accidentally activated the controls. Two children were run over by a heavy lorry which had been loaded with debris and was moving off from a shopping precinct refurbishment site. Driver aged 38 was killed when he was struck by the bucket of his excavator. The machine jolted forward pitching the driver from his seat and the bucket struck his head. The work involved demolition and clearance prior to construction of shops. Dumper driver aged 62 was killed when he fell from his dumper as it crossed a dip in the ground. The project involved the construction of an industrial unit.

Labourer aged 29 was killed when he was struck by a dumper as it rolled back down access ramp. The brakes would not hold dumper as it tipped load on ramp. Groundworks associated with construction of new shopping centre development. Demolition foreman aged 55 was killed when he was crushed between telehandler and large waste skip. Project involved demolition/clearance of factory complex. Trainee labourer aged 18 was killed when he was struck by a tractor loader as it was used to move a tub of mortar. Project involved construction of domestic housing. Fabricator aged 38 was killed when he was trapped between the body and mast of telehandler he was driving. Missing cab window allowed access, during major refurbishment work at water treatment works. Plant driver aged 41 was killed when he was struck by the bucket of an excavator. He walked between bucket/tracks from blind side as bucket was drawn in to machine during bucket changing process. Construction of private residential premises. Son of driver aged 23 was killed when he was flung under the tracks of a bulldozer he was driving. As he alighted from machine, was thought his clothing caught on control lever causing it to move off in reverse. Demolition of disused brickworks. Casual labourer aged 36 was killed when he was struck by excavator grab as it was being used to move demolition rubble. Small scale demolition of public house. Plant driver aged 31 was killed when he was trapped between the boom and the chassis of his mini loader. Resurfacing of highway with traffic management provided. Demolition worker aged 60 was killed when he was struck by a telescopic handler which was moving forwards. Large project involving redevelopment (including decommissioning and demolition) of chemical works site. Plant driver aged 23 was killed when he was trapped between arm and cab of his excavator. He leaned out of the cab and became trapped. Housebuilding project. Groundworker aged 35 was killed when he was struck by a fork lift truck. He was acting as a banksman as truck carried jumbo bag and he was holding a split in the bag to prevent spillage. Work involved groundworks on airfield taxiway.

ELECTRICITY Fatal accidents by Total Electricity Chart 31 Electrical Fatal accidents Summaries Construction fatal accidents caused by electricity can be put into a number of categories, most of which are long established. Underground cable strikes remain a risk, although not at the same level as in earlier times. Despite the updated safety requirements under the Electricity at Work Regulations, working on exposed live conductors remains a significant hazard and unfortunate examples resulting in fatal

injuries are featured below. The other fatal accidents occurred mainly as a result of contact with overhead power lines. Comprehensive guidance on the appropriate precautions is given in Health and Safety Booklet HS(G)141, Electrical Safety on Construction Sites. Fatal accidents by Total Electricity Chart 31
DAMAGED PLUG 4% LIVE PLANT 21%

UNDERGROUND CABLES 7%

OTHER 14%

OVERHEAD CABLES 34%

CENTRAL HEATING /DOMESTIC 20%

Whilst, historically, contact with live underground cables resulted in large numbers of fatalities, overhead cables now pose a far greater risk. Contact with overhead cables accounted for 34% of fatalities, whilst underground cables accounted for 7%. Summaries Electrical Fatal accidents Overhead Lines A maintenance fitter (40) was killed when he received an electric shock as the boom of a tracked excavator contacted overhead power lines. He was acting as banksman to the excavator in a plant hire yard at the time. A delivery vehicle driver (57) was killed when the lorry mounted crane unit he was using accidentally touched an overhead electricity power line. He was off-loading a number of portable site accommodation units at the time and although no information about the lines had been given, the driver had apparently identified them and had misjudged the clearance to the lines. A goods vehicle driver (42) was killed when the hydraulic lifting arm he was using to offload spoil from the lorry contacted a 11kV overhead line and he was electrocuted A self employed lorry driver (39) working for a ground works sub-contractor was electrocuted when the grab on his vehicle contacted overhead power lines at a farm. Appears that he was dropping off a load of garden waste at the farm (which was not part of his normal duties that day) when he lifted and fully extended the grab near the 11kV lines. Deceased (26) was electrocuted when he made contact with an 11kV overhead power line. He was engaged in laying a concrete path at the premises and this

involved the use of a long metal device (Bull Float) which made contact with the overhead line. No account had been taken of the overhead lines above the premises. A trainee scaffolder (22) was electrocuted when he made contact with an 11kV overhead power line. He was engaged in erecting a scaffold at the rear of a house and he made contact with the overhead line as he lifted a 6.4m long scaffold tube. No account had been taken of the overhead lines above the premises. Painter aged 36 was killed when he was electrocuted by contact with overhead power lines. He was attempting to move a tower scaffold which was beneath the lines at the time. Plant operator aged 32 was killed when he was electrocuted by contact with overhead power lines. He was attempting to erect a mobile lighting gantry on roadsurfacing work at the time. Sub contractor aged 31 was electrocuted when he made contact with overhead power lines whilst moving a mobile floodlight unit into position. Scaffolder aged 33 was electrocuted when he made contact with overhead power lines during the erection of a scaffold. President of football club was electrocuted as he was helping to offload an accommodation cabin at the club. The cabin was lifted using a lorry mounted unit which made contact with overhead power lines, causing the fatal electric shock. Company Director aged 38 was electrocuted when the bucket of an excavator contacted overhead power lines. The excavator was being used to lower a lamp standard into position. Two traffic management employees aged 38 and 33 were electrocuted when the lighting tower they were manoeuvering contacted overhead power lines. Overhead catenary engineer aged 42 was electrocuted when he approached a live overhead line. He had accessed a stowed, boom mounted lift during commissioning work on rail link. Two street lighting workers aged 22 and 32 were electrocuted when the old lighting column they were removing came close to/contacted overhead electric lines. The work was part of a term maintenance contract for the local authority. Groundworks labourer aged 19 was killed when concrete delivery vehicle made contact with overhead power line during concrete pour. Construction of food factory. Transport contractor aged 46 was killed when the body of his tipper lorry made contact with an overhead power line. He was involved with the delivery of a load of roadstone for groundworks at former farm premises converted for residential use. Underground Cables

A labourer (28) was killed as he struck an underground electricity supply cable while he was using a road drill. He was installing telecommunications cables at the time and there was a procedure whereby the services in the vicinity were to be identified before work commenced. The ganger involved had left the site after giving instructions about delaying the start of the work, but on his return he found that the work had started and the accident had taken place. A pipelayer (42) was killed when he suffered burns as a result of striking an HV underground electricity supply cable. He was using a pneumatic mole device within an excavation. The cable drawings had little detail, and the cable location device was used but the results were misinterpreted because of a LV cable in the vicinity A cable jointer (52) was killed when he was electrocuted as he worked to divert an underground LV supply cable. He had accidentally damaged the insulation of one of the live cores during the work and this caused the fatal electrocution. He was not using temporary insulation or wearing insulated gloves at the time. Deceased (21) was laying paving slabs at the front of a house on a large new build housing development. He was driving a 1 m steel roadpin into the ground to attach a string line. The pin penetrated the new 240v underground feed to the house. He was found some time later. Further electric shock occurred during recovery. Cable in plastic duct found at depth 180mm: utility require minimum depth of 450mm. Domestic/Other A self-employed plumber (35) was killed when he was electrocuted as he completed work on a domestic central heating system. As he applied heat to a joint in the pipework, he failed to make use of a heat mat to prevent damage to nearby electrical wiring. A gas service engineer (46) was electrocuted and died while working on a gas central heating boiler. He failed to isolate the boiler before working on the system and once the boiler cover had been removed, live parts of the conductors were exposed. It was not clear if he deliberately worked live on the system or got the shock inadvertently, as a result of an error. A gas installer (36) was killed when he suffered an electric shock whilst installing a central heating boiler. The cover to the cylinder thermostat in the airing cupboard had been removed, exposing 240 volt conductors to the boiler controls. A test and run operative (25) was killed when he received an electric shock as he unplugged a mains voltage extension lead at a plant hire depot. The plug was damaged and not protected by the RCD, so the shock proved fatal. A construction foreman (25) was killed as he was manhandling a skip suspended from an electric overhead travelling crane. The crane had become live as a result of damage to the overhead catenary wire and as the earthing arrangements were not effective the fuse did not blow. The foreman was electrocuted as he attempted to position the skip.

An electrical fitter (36) was electrocuted whilst he was attempting to fit a new consumer unit in an understairs cupboard as part of a total ground floor refurbishment at the house. It was owned by his mother but it appears that the work was part of a contract being undertaken by the deceaseds employer. Deceased appears to have been electrocuted by turning key in switch.Two men contracted to carry our repair work. 2m aluminium ladders used. Deceased had crowbar in left hand which was partially inserted inside shutter box to manually move shutter. His right hand was holding a key inserted into the key switch which was mounted on a masonry wall, adjacent to shutter. A self-employed electrician (34) electrocuted during the removal of electrical circuits and fittings during refurbishment of small industrial unit for reletting. No direct witness but it thought that deceased may have inadvertently lost balance whilst at height, pulled conduit from wall thereby exposing live conductors. Deceased was using his own drill to make a pilot hole in a kitchen worktop prior to cutting a larger hole with a jigsaw. He received an electric shock from the drill and fell over when his workmate pulled the electric feed cable apart at a taped cable joint close to drill. Fell onto a concrete floor and suffered fractured skull. An electrical fitter (33) was electrocuted whilst he was stripping out electrical cable from some cable trunking. He was using a ladder to gain access to the trunking and he fell from the ladder following contact with an exposed live conductor. An electrician (62) was electrocuted as he was installing outside lights as part of wine bar conversion work. He was thought to have accidentally energised the circuit as he completed other work inside the building. He then returned to the outside lights and as he was stripping insulation from supply cable he received an electric shock. A builder (33) was electrocuted when he made contact with the terminals of a live junction box whilst carrying out a loft conversion at a house. He was working alone to complete electrical work on final day of the job when he received the electric shock. A worker, aged 20, was electrocuted as he was using a concrete mixer in the garden of domestic premises. It appears that power supply/extension lead was not earthed. Refrigeration engineer aged 28 was electrocuted when he made contact with live conductors at a large compressor. Electrical fitter aged 40 was electrocuted when he made contact with live conductor whilst checking out electrical wiring beneath the floorboards at domestic premises. Lift fitter aged 26 was electrocuted when he made contact with exposed live parts. He was making adjustments to the lift as part of a test during major lift refurbishment. Self employed plumber/electrician was electrocuted whilst repairing a domestic central heating system. The electrical supply had not been isolated.

Employee of electrical contractor aged 40 was electrocuted when he contacted live electrical wiring as he reached into a manhole beneath a city centre square. Electrical fitter was electrocuted during work on a fire detection system. He was working in an attic above a hotel bedroom. Joiner aged 58 was electrocuted whilst working in the airing cupboard of a new house on a house building site. He contacted a pipe which was not earthed and had become live due to contact with damaged electrical wiring. Electric fitter aged 31 was electrocuted when he approached live parts during maintenance work on HV switch gear. Permit to work system failed to ensure safety. Self-employed fitter aged 43 was electrocuted whilst installing a shower unit in a domestic flat. The fitters faulty extension lead caused the electric shock. Construction worker aged 64 was electrocuted when he came into contact with live parts of a thermostat control box. He was working in the roof space of a local authority community centre on the installation of office partitioning. Electrician aged 32 was electrocuted when he made contact with live wiring to a thermostat. The project involved minor modification work to an office complex. Trainee electrician aged 23 was electrocuted when he made contact with a live terminal at public supply. Refurbishment work included rewiring of the council flats. Electrician aged 28 was electrocuted when he made contact with live wiring as he was fitting an electric water heater. Electrical testing work was in progress at the time during refurbishment of bank premises. Painter/decorator aged 50 was electrocuted when he contacted live parts as he moved an electric shower unit. He was engaged in decoration of a domestic flat. Electrician aged 46 was electrocuted when he contacted live wiring at a temporary electrical supply installed at the mains. Project involved rewiring of domestic flat. Subcontract electric fitter aged 40 was electrocuted when he contacted high voltage busbars. He was working on HV switchgear under a PTW at a steelworks. Contract electrician aged 38 was electrocuted when he contacted live terminal on electrical power unit. He was working on fault finding at premises of aero engineers. Building labourer aged 30 was electrocuted when he contacted live wiring in a flooded basement. He was investigating a leak in the water supply associated with the conversion of the first floor into a domestic flat. Contract electrician aged 59 electrocuted when he contacted live wiring whilst working in hotel attic. He spliced into live cable during rewiring/installation work. Electrician aged 35 was killed when he contacted live electrical wiring. He was installing a time clock for central heating system in the plant room of a new hotel.

STRUCK BY/CRUSHED Fatal accidents by Total Struck By Chart 32 Struck By Fatal accidents involving falls of load/equipment Summaries Fatal accidents in which the deceased was struck by/crushed make a significant contribution to the construction fatal accident statistics. They can readily be divided into three categories and these have been identified below. The categories are; fall of loads/equipment etc., unplanned collapse of a structure often as part of demolition/dismantling, and a miscellaneous section which includes falls of earth. The fall of loads etc. includes work which is subject to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, which came into effect on 5 December 1998. The role of adequate planning/risk assessments/method statements etc is of particular importance in avoiding premature collapses during demolition/dismantling work. This work is subject to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994. Falls of earth during excavation work etc. have long been a cause of fatal accidents in the construction sector. Detailed guidance is available on some of these issues in Health and Safety Booklet HS(G)185, Health and Safety in Excavations. Fatal accidents by Total Struck By Chart 32
CONCRETE SLAB 7% ACCESS PLATFORM 7% SCAFFOLD BOARDS/TIMBER 11% CRANE JIB 4% STEEL BEAM 11% LIFT CAGE & FIXED STRUCTURE 4%

CONTROL PANEL 6% PIPE/STEEL 11% OTHER 7% PILING RIG 9% EXCAVATOR 17%

DRUM/SKIP 6%

Excavator crushing fatalities are fairly common and imply that segregation from stationary slewing vehicles is just as important as segregation from moving vehicles. Another common cause of fatalities is when loads lifted by an excavator fall during the lifting operation. This accounted for 8 fatalities (15.1%) and is in addition to the cases where the deceased was directly struck by the excavator, referred to above.

Summaries Struck by Fatal accidents involving falls of load/equipment A farm worker (23) was killed when he was crushed by a concrete slab which was being lowered into position. A makeshift assortment of chains and open lifting hooks were employed by the farm workers to carry out the lift using the lifting forks of a farm vehicle. The load snagged as it was being placed in position and fell crushing the farm worker. A plant driver (37) was killed when he was crushed beneath a man-riding basket. The basket was unhitched from the lifting machine and was left on the edge of an excavation spoil heap. Some time later, when the basket was needed for use, an attempt was made to reattach it to the lifting equipment. As this was happening, the basket slipped over the edge of the heap and fell into the excavation where the driver was working, crushing him. A lorry driver (45) was killed when he was crushed beneath a stack of scaffold boards which fell from his vehicle as he prepared to secure them. No arrangements had been made to ensure the stability of the stack during loading and the problem was exacerbated by the sloping ground on which the vehicle was standing. A labourer (36) was killed when he was crushed beneath a concrete chamber access cover (approximately 0.8 tonnes) as it was lifted into position over the chamber. He was in charge, despite his lack of experience in lifting operations. As a result, the chain slings were incorrectly clutched and the load slipped as it was moved into position. A welder (32) was killed when he was struck by a number of scaffold boards which fell from a platform, which was struck by a crane. He was on site to carry out repairs to the crane and was on the forks of a stacker crane waiting to be lifted into position. A crane driver/rigger (27) was killed when he was crushed by a section of crane jib which pivoted and fell on him. He was trying to drive out the locating pins for the fly jib at ground level, but it was left unsupported and fell on him. A steel erector (36) was killed when he was crushed beneath a steel beam and several concrete planks which collapsed during the lowering of the beam. The planks had not been propped before the lowering operation was started. A jobbing builder (35) was killed when he was crushed between the lift cage and the fixed structure of a goods lift. The lift was being used to move materials into the premises for some building work. The lift apparently moved because the safety interlocks had been defeated by persons unknown, but it was also established that the lift had been poorly maintained and did not have a current examination report. A steel erector (53) was killed when he was struck by a hinged section of conveyor which fell on him during its erection and crushed him. The hinged section was provided with latching devices to prevent such falls and these had later been provided with locking pins. However, difficulties were experienced in fitting the conveyor section and temporary, ad hoc arrangements were made to secure it. As

the steel erector attempted to free the movement of the hinge, the section fell and killed him despite the temporary steps that had been taken. A vehicle mechanic (39) was killed when he was struck by the tyre/rim of an excavator tyre which he was removing to repair a puncture. He was working on site to repair an eight wheeled excavator used for groundworks. A groundworker (31) was killed when he was struck by the boom/load of an excavator. One of the excavators front wheels dropped into the trench and the boom (which was on maximum extension) and/or the load (a steel plate) struck him. A groundworker (47) was crushed by a load which fell during transfer on site of a four inch pump. Excavator used as crane to move pump from one end of open trench to other. Load detached when lifting chain failed. Chain believed to be non cert. equipment as it was a hanging chain from the trench support system. Deceased (47) was working in a shored excavation approximately 3m deep and 2.5m square, loading soil debris into a bucket, suspended on a wire rope and hook attached to a mini excavator/crane. Filled bucket was lifted to top of shaft when the rope failed at its fixing at the hook end. Bucket and hook fell back into the excavation with fatal consequences. Deceased (66) was crushed during lifting operation when RSJ fell from the teeth of excavator bucket.Team of 4 operatives using an RSJ (approx 250kg) chained to the bucket of a 360 excavator to level ground prior to concreting. In order to use the 360 to lift a petrol generator from the back of a flat-bed truck the RSJ was unchained but not removed from the bucket. Deceased (42) was struck on the side of the head (helmet worn) by a 40mm 14m long steel rebar which was being hoisted on the piling rig to place in the augered hole for a sacrificial/anchor pile. Bar (approx 130kg) slipped out of strop - one end remained on ground. Banksman (58) was struck and killed as contractor was laying slabs to form a mezzanine floor. The slabs were being laid from a flat bed lorry which was positioned directly below the steel where the slabs were to be laid. The hire crane had to operate from within the steel frame and roof purlins etc, and the slabs themselves were larger than the opening through which they were being lifted, and needed to be lifted at an angle. The lifting was being carried out blind with the slinger/banksman (the deceased) giving signals from the bed of the lorry. As one slab was being lifted it struck against the end of one of the slabs which was already in position causing it to fall 2m onto the banksman below. A welder (28) was crushed by a steel beam section which fell from the edge of a loading bay. He had fallen from the loading bay (approx 1.5m) and the steel beam section which had been deliberately placed on the edge of the bay before being lifted into position, toppled from the edge onto the deceased.

A labourer was struck by a 9m long sheet pile which fell as it was being lifted into position. The sheet pile became detached from its quick release shackle and trapped the deceased against the floor/wall of an excavation. An HGV driver (53) was struck by a drum containing diesel fuel when it fell from an excavator bucket during a loading operation on a housebuilding site. He was working with a colleague at the weekend to collect an excavator using a low loader vehicle. They transferred the excavator onto the lorry and then attempted to use it to load up a spare bucket/drum of fuel as well. As they lifted them the drum rolled from the excavator bucket and struck the deceased. A welder (50) was struck by part of a metal strut which he was welding. The strut formed part of the hydraulic ram operating mechanism of a lock gate at dock premises. The ram had been inadvertently operated from the main control room and the strut, which was only tack welded, parted. No safe system of work. A groundworker (40) was struck by the bucket of an excavator. He was engaged in repairing drains in an open area of a large factory when the excavator slewed round. Both excavator and driver were on hire. A self employed steel erector (48) was crushed against a fixed steel beam as he was using MEWP during the dismantling of a large fragmentizer. It appears that he boomed out the MEWP backwards to the elevated steel beam and became trapped between the lower edge of the beam and the control panel at the front of the platform. The deceased was working as part of small team laying drainage pipes. As excavator driver slewed to deposit material. Deceased was crushed between counterweight and nearby pipes stored ready for laying in trench. Deceased was either fitting a seal to pipe of retrieving gloves from inside a pipe at the time. Crushed ribs and punctured lung. Originally thought to be non life threatening but death reported over the weekend. Demolition worker aged 33 was killed when crushed between two steel beams as they were lifted. He was acting as slinger as the beams were lifted by an excavator. Newly promoted chargehand aged 46 was killed when he was crushed beneath a drum as it was lifted into a container. He attempted to guide the drum into position and it fell from the lifting slings as he did so. Construction worker aged 63 was killed when he was crushed beneath a piling rig which overturned. The rig service hoist was being used to lift a pile casing, and was slewing at the time of the accident. Construction worker aged 31 was killed when he was crushed by an aircraft hanger door. The door fell as it was being installed as part of construction of aircraft hanger. Goods vehicle driver aged 60 was killed when he was crushed by a length of steel pipe which became dislodged as he unstrapped the load. He was offloading on a waste water treatment plant construction site.

Labourer aged 47 was killed when he was crushed beneath a large electrical control panel as it fell over. The panel was being jacked up to remove the skates as part of the installation work for a factory refurbishment. Employee aged 50 was killed when he was struck by the bucket of an excavator. The bucket became detached from the excavator and fell onto the worker. Demolition worker aged 23 was killed when he was struck by an electrical junction box. It fell as it was being disconnected, as part of the demolition of a power station. Employee aged 44 was killed when he was struck by an electrical cabinet which overturned. He was attempting to remove timber packing at the time. Employee aged 22 was killed when he was struck by a large floor beam. The lifting arrangements failed causing the beam to fall at one end. Driver was killed when he was crushed beneath a pack of formwork beams. The beams were being prepared for lifting when they fell from the delivery vehicle. Civil engineering labourer aged 53 was killed when he was struck by a large timber baulk which fell. A webbing sling failed as the load was lifted. Painter was killed when he was crushed between structural steelwork and the platform of a mobile elevating work platform. He was engaged in painting steelwork. Piling foreman aged 50 was killed when he was struck by an auger head unit as it fell. The quick release mechanism had failed, and so it was decided to make an attempt at manual dismantling using an excavator and lifting chains. Foreman aged 31 was killed when struck by a timber shutter panel which fell. The panel was being lifted into position when it snagged on a protruding scaffold tube and broke free. Project involved construction of mixed residential/retail development Piling rig banksman aged 47 was killed when he was struck by a falling rig mast. The mast became detached due to mechanical failure, preparation work for the erection of a warehouse. Labourer aged 20 was killed when he was struck by a bundle of rebar which fell as it was transferred by an excavator. The rebar slipped from the sling as it was lowered into an excavation. The work involved construction of a sewer chamber. Driver aged 37 was killed when he was struck by a loaded skip as it was raised. He was working in a narrow access way to former mill premises which were undergoing conversion to domestic accommodation. Driver aged 31 was killed when he was crushed by container type cabin as it fell whilst being lifted. Chain slings at tight angle, pulled out of lifting hook. Project involved the construction of an access road leading to a water company aqueduct

Boy aged 8 was killed when he was crushed beneath a large diameter pipe which rolled as he and several other children played with it. There were several gaps in the site fencing at the housebuilding site which allowed ready access. Carpenter aged 54 was killed when he was struck by falling access platform. He was preparing for concrete pour and concrete skip suspended from crane was manoeuvring above. Skip struck platform causing it to fall. Construction of stadium. Site foreman aged 40 was killed when he was struck by a load consisting of 3-4 excavator buckets that slipped as it was lifted. Construction of residential block. Groundworker aged 27 was killed when he was struck by a bucket which had become detached/fallen from a 360 excavator. Construction of industrial premises. Slinger aged 60 was killed when he was struck by load of steel section which swung as lift began. Construction of new steel frame storage unit for local farmers. Agency migrant labourer aged 21 was killed when struck by a load of plywood boards which fell when supporting strops slipped together. They were being lowered onto a flat bed lorry, using a beam hoist. Refurbishment of commercial premises. Goods driver aged 47 was killed when struck by mini excavator which fell as it was being loaded onto flat bed lorry using lorry mounted crane. Housebuilding site. Bricklayer aged 52 was killed when struck by packs of corrugated steel decking which fell from structural beams. All terrain lift truck was reversing and struck one of the beams, causing decking to fall. Internal conversion of former school gym. Agency construction worker aged 32 was killed when he was struck by some fire resistant doors, stacked on end. He stumbled as he stood back, causing doors to strike him on his head, trapping him against the adjacent wall. Large housebuild site. Agency site safety officer aged 39 was killed when he was struck by one of a number of blocks that fell from a 50 metre high scaffold. There were no brickguards on the scaffold. Construction of a very large block of residential apartments. Construction worker aged 29 was killed when he was struck by a large, crated sheet of glass that fell outwards from an A frame stillage when the retaining straps were cut. The work involved fitting large glazing units to a canopy at a large commercial redevelopment site. He died sometime later in hospital. Installation contractor aged 55 was killed when he was struck by a pump assembly which fell when one of the slinging points on FLT failed. He was assisting in a lifting operation as part of the installation work for the pump in factory premises.
DEMOLITION/COLLAPSE Fatal accidents by Demolition/Collapse Chart 33

Struck By Fatal accidents involving Demolition/Collapse Summaries Struck By Fatal accidents involving Falls of Earth Summaries

Fatal accidents by Demolition/Collapse Chart 33

TRENCH/ EARTH 15% CRANE/ MEWP/RIG 15% ROOF COLLAPSE 6%

BUILDING COLLAPSE 14% WALL/ COLUMN 20% TUNNEL KILN COLLAPSE 5%

BLOCKWORK PIER COLLAPSE 11% SCAFFOLD/ PLATFORM 3% FALLING OBJECTS 11%

No particular trends can be identified from this chart. There are large variations in the number of fatal accidents caused by collapses each year, but the chart gives some indication of how these occur. Demolition work was involved in 37% of the fatalities and underpinning work in 5%. Summaries Struck by Fatal accidents involving Demolition/collapse A demolition worker (43) was killed when part of the tunnel kiln he was engaged in demolishing collapsed unexpectedly. The method statement which had been drawn up was not being followed and the demolition worker himself was responsible for its implementation in this respect. It was established that there was some confusion about the supervision of the work as there were two foremen level workers involved, one of whom was killed in the accident. A crane driver (33) was killed when he was struck by falling facing stone during demolition work. He was climbing a set of scaffold ladders at the time and no arrangements had been made (e g a banksman) to ensure safety during the course of the demolition work. A groundworker (58) was killed when he was crushed beneath a section of garden wall which collapsed as a result of excavation work taking place near to its base. The wall was old, but had been well maintained and had been built originally without any substantial foundations. There had also been heavy rain on the night before the collapse occurred. Two trainees (19 and 25) were killed when they were crushed beneath a section of sea wall which collapsed while preparations were being made to repair it. The work had not been adequately planned and no competent supervision or advice was available.

A bricklayer (43) was killed when he was crushed beneath a precast lintel which became displaced from a wall and fell during alteration work. The work involved altering the height of the lintel and the wall had to be toothed for this purpose. The lintel lost crucial support during this process and fell, crushing the bricklayer. A self-employed builder (33) was killed when he was crushed beneath falling masonry as he was demolishing an old farm building. He decided to demolish the sandstone arches in the building by hand, rather than using the excavator. Several arches had already been demolished when the next arch in the row suddenly collapsed crushing him. A builder (56) was killed when he was crushed beneath a wall which collapsed during underpinning work. A barn was being converted for residential purposes and the walls required underpinning to ensure their stability. The builder was killed when a section of the wall fell into the trench in which he was working. The trench was not shored and it undermined the wall. A dismantler (35) was killed when he was crushed by part of a tannery drum which fell on him during dismantling work. He was part of a gang employed on a casual basis by a scrap merchant to dismantle and remove the tannery equipment. A company director (61) was killed when he was crushed beneath a building which collapsed prematurely during demolition. Only the roof, which was standing on several thin columns, remained. One column was being cut and hauled clear when the roof collapsed. A demolition worker (33) was killed when he was crushed beneath a concrete slab that he was helping to demolish. He was using a power breaker to remove the roof slab with a workmate when it collapsed unexpectedly. Deceased was crushed when the lower part of a chimney lining became detached and fell into the fireplace at a public house. The chimney lining (approx 1 tonne of perlite) had been installed on the previous day and collapsed into an inglenook fireplace. Deceased (28) was crushed when a flat concrete slab roof above the bay window/porch of a house collapsed onto him during window replacement work. The slab fell as the last pane was being removed. No temporary support had been provided for the ground floor roof slab. Deceased (35) and others were involved in the partial demolition of a three storey terrace of shops/flats which were undergoing major renovation. Work was in progress at the end of the terrace when the building collapsed crushing the deceased who was in the basement. There were strong winds at the time of the collapse and the first and second floor joists of the building had been removed. A construction worker (29) was crushed when a substantial part of a large 3/4 storey house collapsed during renovation work. The internal work included alterations to a large chimney stack which collapsed bringing other parts of the structure with it.

A worker was fatally injured when a free standing section of rubble stone wall collapsed. Work in progress at the time was preparation for underpinning. The wall does not appear to have been supported by any means and was in an unstable condition prior to the collapse. Three workers were killed when a 5 storey warehouse type building partially collapsed. The building was fire damaged and it was planned to demolish part of it before refurbishment work commenced. Employee, aged 60, was crushed when the boom of an excavator collapsed and fell onto him as it was demolished. He was cutting the boom with a flame cutter. A foreman was killed when he was involved in removing old switchgear from an electricity sub station. Part of a wall was demolished to access the switchgear and the roof beams were left with no support as a result of the demolition work. As the foreman entered the sub station to attach chains to the switchgear the roof collapsed crushing him. Three crane erectors were killed as several tower cranes were being climbed at the weekend using exterior climbing gear. This operation involved raising the crane top using a hydraulic ram, above the last fixed tower section, in order to insert each additional tower section. As this was taking place the crane started to overturn in the direction of the counterjib. Two of the five erectors at the top of the crane managed to jump into the fixed tower; the other three fell with the crane top to their deaths. Two builders aged 46 and 18 (father/son) were killed when they were crushed beneath a brick built tunnel kiln which collapsed prematurely. The steel supports had been removed as part of the demolition. Self employed joinery contractor aged 37 was killed when the roof trusses he was erecting collapsed. He was installing the secondary bracing at the time. An operator aged 42 was killed when the cherry picker he was using overturned. A manhole cover collapsed causing the platform to overturn. A worker aged 16 was killed when he was struck by a large steel column which fell when the holding down bolts failed. Demolition worker aged 61 was killed when he was crushed by the collapse of a concrete wall during the demolition of a car park. Labourer aged 26 was killed when he was crushed beneath collapsing brickwork. He was excavating beneath the structure to prepare for underpinning work. Building worker aged 20 was killed when he was crushed beneath a stone arch which collapsed during demolition of an adjacent wall. He was working in the vicinity at the time. Self employed builder aged 56 was killed when he was struck by a structural beam. The beam fell while he was carrying out work on a garage at domestic premises.

A plumber aged 49 was fatally injured when a quantity of bathroom materials including an MDF board collapsed and fell on him. Child aged 4 was killed when she was crushed beneath a scaffold which overturned. The rope at a gin wheel attached to the scaffold was being pulled by youths at the time. Demolition worker aged 18 was killed when the floor of a room collapsed after he gained access. Attempts had been made to prevent access, as the floor was known to be rotten. Employee aged 34 was killed when an interior section of a fired damaged building collapsed. It was understood that he was attempting to removing doors and fittings at the time. Employee aged 56 was killed when a large section of a concrete wall collapsed. He was standing on a mobile elevating work platform in the vicinity and collapse caused him to fall. A child (4) was killed when she was struck by a collapsing blockwork pier. The blockwork had been left in a semi-completed state for some period of time and one of the ties attached to it was being used as an anchorage point for a clothes line. The child apparently began to swing on the line and caused the pier to collapse. A 9 year old child, was killed when he was crushed beneath part of a concrete pipe ring which rolled/broke as children played on it. The ring was being moved by the children and it appears to have rolled down a slight gradient before hitting another pipe. The ring section broke on impact and the child (who may have been inside the ring) was struck and crushed by the concrete fragments. Demolition worker aged 36 was killed as he was engaged in demolition of gantry which was part of a dockside installation. Pre-weakened columns collapsed prematurely and fell on him. Demolition worker aged 36 was killed whilst using a breaker to remove rebar in a floor as part of major refurbishment at a school. The acrow props supporting the roof were displaced /removed during the work causing the roof to collapse. Member of public aged 25 was killed when unsupported brickwork facia collapsed during installation of double glazed replacement windows at domestic premises. Demolition worker aged 46 was killed when he was engaged in demolition single storey steel framed building. Pre-weakened columns collapsed prematurely. Member of public was killed when trapped beneath boarding which fell onto him. Gained access to the site during holiday period, found when the site re-opened.

Drilling operator aged 22 was killed when the bore hole drilling rig collapsed during dismantling. The rig slipped on the wet grassy slope on which it stood. The bore hole was drilled for the water supply industry. Piling rig operator aged 56 was killed when he was struck by an overturning minipiling rig. Working near sloping ground, on groundwork for a new car park at a public house. Welder aged 50 was killed when he was trapped between parts of the structure when temporary platform he was dismantling collapsed. Also clothing set alight by flame cutter, during construction of footbridges over wide river crossing. Labourer aged 26 was killed when struck by large section of chimney flue which collapsed. Project involved refurbishment of residential flat accommodation. Two demolition workers aged 42 and 58 were killed when concrete slab collapsed as they worked with a breaker. Project involved refurbishment of non-domestic premises. Child aged 2 was killed when a line of concrete retaining wall slabs which were stored vertically, collapsed in domino fashion. The slabs were stored outside the site fencing and the project was the construction of a retirement home. Plant driver aged 53 was killed when blockwork wall collapsed during a concrete pour. He was working from a ladder on construction of national assembly building. Construction worker aged 35 was killed when he was crushed by falling masonry following a lifting operation. The collapse occurred during demolition work carried out as part of the redevelopment of the site to residential properties. Construction worker aged 43 was killed when he was crushed by falling masonry. Wall being demolished as part of conversion of premises to public house. Demolition worker aged 45 was killed when he was crushed by falling materials following premature collapse of silo. Work involved demolition of silos by machine. Electric fitter aged 50 was killed when boundary wall which had been undermined by excavation works collapsed and he was crushed between wall and stationary mini digger. Work involved renovation of domestic residence. Two crane erectors aged 37 and 45 were killed when one tower crane slewed round and struck the other causing it to collapse. Both tower cranes on site were being derigged, one had been completed and work was in progress on the other. Construction of new school block at established school. Casual labourer was killed when he was crushed beneath a brick wall which collapsed as it was accidentally pushed over by the counter weight of an excavator. Demolition of wall as part of small house building development.

Summaries Struck by Fatal accidents involving falls of earth A worker aged 50 was killed when he fell into an excavation as it collapsed. The trench was formed by an excavator and workers were assisting from the side as it collapsed. Foreman aged 36 was killed when he was buried following the collapse of a trench. He was standing near to the excavation when the ground gave way. Worker aged 32 was killed when a trench collapsed during the installation of a drainage scheme at a farm. No trench supports or battering back provided. Self-employed co-owner aged 53 was killed when a trench collapsed during the installation of sewers for a large housing development. Labourer aged 54 was killed when a trench collapsed during installation of a drainage system. Depth of trench was such that collapse occurred above trench box that was in use. Groundworker aged 41 was killed when an unshored trench collapsed during installation of drainage. Project involved large house building site. A labourer (24) was killed when he was crushed by a fall of earth while he was pipelaying in a trench. The trench was 4 m. deep and a trench box was provided. In the event however, he was working 3 m. beyond the box at the time of the accident. Contractor aged 40 was killed when unsupported trench collapsed during connection of drainage system. Work involved extensive garden improvements at castle. Groundworks contractor aged 42 was killed when unsupported trench collapsed during installation liner for artificial lake in large back garden of domestic premises. Groundworker aged 18 was killed and a colleague was seriously injured when an unsupported part of trench collapsed during installation of an interceptor tank. Work involved installation of drainage at new industrial unit. Groundworker aged 36 was killed when the sides of unsupported drainage trench collapsed causing earth to fall and bury him. . A dumper was being used adjacent to the trench damaging the sides of the trench, during civil engineering work. OTHER FATAL ACCIDENTS Fatal accidents by Total Miscellaneous Chart 34 Miscellaneous Fatal accidents involving Struck Against Summaries Miscellaneous Fatal accidents involving Machinery Summaries Miscellaneous Fatal accidents involving Slips, Trips and Falls Summaries Miscellaneous Fatal accidents involving Fire and Explosion Summaries Miscellaneous Fatal accidents involving Asphyxiation/Drowning - Summaries

Fatal accidents by MoPs/Causes Chart 35 These miscellaneous fatal accidents illustrate a number of lessons about all too familiar sets of circumstances. In some cases a variety of issues were raised including the safeguarding of roadworks (particularly out of working hours), which are covered by the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, and the associated code of practice. In addition, the established guidance under Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual published by DETR should still be regarded as a useful source of detailed guidance on these matters. The safety of members of the public who may be affected by construction work is still an important issue, never more so than when children are involved. Guidance on these matters is given in Health and Safety Executive Booklet HS(G) 151, Protecting the public-your next move. Other Fatal accidents Chart 34
MACHINERY 28%

FIRE/ EXPLOSION 23%

OTHER 2%

SLIPS TRIPS & FALLS 9%

ASPHYX. /DROWNING 26%

STRUCK AGAINST 12%

Fatalities from slips, trips and falls on the same level are rare. However, 25% of non-fatal accidents involve slips and trips. Consequently, these issues deserve their full quota of attention given the large number of less serious injuries which occur. Guidance is available in Health and Safety Booklet HS(G) 155, Slips and trips: Guidance for employers on identifying hazards and controlling risks. Summaries Fatal accidents involving Struck Against A self employed builder (61) died as a result of striking his head hard on part of a scaffold. He did not wear a safety helmet on the site where a property was being converted into flats. He complained of headaches for some weeks after the accident and died about a month later. A youth (16) was killed when he fell from his bike and struck his head whilst he was playing on a ramp made from timber shutters. Several young people had entered the site and put together the ramp. As the youth tried the ramp he lost control and hit his head on concrete.

Member of public died in her car after she drove into deep water following the fracture of a water main. The main was damaged during laying of a gas main. Trainee electrician aged 21 was killed when he was crushed between controls of mobile elevated work platform and structural steel beam. He was installing electrical cabling at high level using MEWP, part of construction of glassworks. Roadworker aged 43 was killed when he was thrown against a structural steel stanchion. He was placing concrete from mobile concrete pump when discharge pipe blocked causing overpressure/pipe to lash when blockage cleared, during construction of road interchange. Piling rig foreman aged 62 was killed when struck by concrete delivery pipe which whipped as blockage cleared by compressed air. Construction bottling plant. Summaries Fatal accidents involving Machinery A construction worker (33) was killed when his clothing became entangled on the revolving spiked shaft of a chipping spreader machine and he was asphyxiated. He had removed the guard to the spiked shaft but no tools were necessary to achieve this. He had a high blood alcohol level at the time of the accident. A machine operator (27) was killed when he was crushed between a roller and a conveyor at a concrete crushing plant. The guards had been removed some time before and apparently had not been replaced following a maintenance shutdown period. A foreman (54) was killed when he was drawn into the trap between the belt and roller of a conveyor. He had been left to tension the conveyor by the contractors who maintained it and did not replace the guard before starting it. A groundworker (37) was killed when he was crushed beneath the hammer unit at a piling rig while trying to remove a pile cap. The hammer (8 tonnes) came down as he was beneath it. Poorly marked controls and the inadvertent release of the hammer unit in certain modes were considered to be significant. A driller (37) was killed when his clothing (trousers) became entangled in the rotating core barrel he was using. A fork lift truckdriver aged 29 was killed when he was crushed by the descending mast of the truck. He was transporting a steel strut as part of the erection of a structure for an exhibition stand at the time. Crusher operator aged 25 was killed when he became entangled in the tail drum and belt of a conveyor at the machine. Roadworker aged 31 was killed when he was trapped beneath the descending tipper body of a tipper lorry. Vehicle was used to deliver tarmac for road repairs

A member of the public (76) was killed as a result of an accident in a home chair lift. The chair lift had been welded by the supplier to effect a repair, but the weld had failed on the following day, giving rise to the accident. Roadworker aged 38 was killed when he was caught up in the rotating cutters of a road planing machine. Working to repair private roads on large industrial site. Council worker aged 49 was killed when he was crushed between the rim to the basket of a mobile elevated work platform and a fixed structural beam. Work involved installing a temporary water supply to a residential tower block. Contractor aged 62 was killed when he lost control of angle grinder and disc caught him in the neck. Construction of extension to domestic premises. Summaries Fatal accidents involving Slips, Trips And Falls A self-employed roofer (32) was killed when he tripped and fell while carrying a ladder along a path. It was thought that he had struck his head as he fell and there were no obvious tripping hazards in the vicinity. Pedestrian tripped over rubble from roadworks excavation work which had been left outside the barriers. She sustained a broken ankle and later died from complications. A member of the public (57) was killed when he slipped on a tile wrapping which was lying on a sheet of plywood outside his front door. A scaffold had been erected at the terrace of houses where he lived, which was being refurbished. He was supposed to leave the house via the back door during the course of the work, as the area at the front was part of the construction site. He suffered a fracture and later died from a thrombosis. Member of the public aged 22 was killed when he gained access to city centre site during night. Possible he fell from raised stack of scaffold tubes. No witnesses. Summaries Fatal accidents involving Fire/Explosion A roadworker (50) was killed when he was caught in an explosion which occurred in a supposedly inerted petrol storage tank. The tanks at the petrol station had been emptied, then cleared of sludge, before being ventilated, and declared gas free. However, the pumps/pipework were still connected and contained petrol so that a source of ignition (hot metal from welding) set off the explosion in the tank. A roadworker (30) was killed when he was burned by petrol as he tried to refuel the agitator motors of a tar boiler. The motors were still in operation and the petrol had become heated in a can next to the boiler. It spilled out and ignited when opened. Employee aged 29 was killed when he was engulfed in a fireball as he removed a redundant fuel storage tank. He was involved in conversion of motor vehicle repair premises.

Deceased (62) part of 2 man gang removing 32 bolts from flange in a covered pit. 7 bolts rusted and to be ground off. Oxygen feed pipe (15bar) for deodourising sewage feeds into sewer pipe within pit. Also pressure release valve close to oxygen infeed. On third day of job no gas readings taken and no permit system ever in operation. Covers removed and on starting grinder deceased's clothes caught alight. Two pinholes found within oxygen line pipe in pit. Reconstruction produced 29 % oxygen. No maintenance for pipe. Gas detection procedure in place inappropriate for risks. Indications that risk not considered. Two industrial cleaning workers were killed when they were burned in a fire whilst removing excess grout from floor tiles. The work involved the use of highly fammable thinners and was carried out using an electrically operated scrubbing machine in a confined basement area. Two demolition workers aged 41 and 30 were killed when they were engulfed in a fireball as they carried out preparatory work inside a disused industrial chimney. They were using a flame cutter from a cradle inside the chimney when the fire occurred, resulting in the cradle falling to the bottom of the chimney. Electrician aged 59 was killed when he received burns as he was engaged in major maintenance work on street lighting. Whilst replacing a street light, petrol was used to loosen the nuts on the street light mast. The petrol ignited and gave rise to fatal burns injuries. Summaries Miscellaneous Fatal accidents involving Asphyxiation/Drowning A pipelayer (21) was killed when he went into a deep trench to rescue his father. The trench was in ground which had been backfilled with mining waste. When one worker entered/ collapsed in the trench, several others made rescue attempts but were overcome. The Fire Brigade did the rescue, and the others involved recovered. Deceased, aged 59, was overcome by exhaust fumes as he was carrying out security duties at night. He was found near a petrol driven electrical generator. Night security worker aged 25 was overcome by flue gasses in a construction site office. A portable gas fired heater was found in use in the office. Employee aged 34 was killed when he was overcome by fumes from paint stripper he was using. Chemical applied by brush in the basement, no forced ventilation had been provided. A member of the public (60), who had been drinking, was killed when he drowned in an accumulation of rainwater which had collected at the bottom of an excavation in the roadway. The opening was not covered, but was partially separated off by plastic cones and barriers. It was covered and barriered off after the accident. Diver aged 36 was killed whilst he was installing sandbags/sinking a flotation collar. He was working in approx. 4m of water at a bridge abutment.

A member of the public (37) was killed when he was overcome by carbon monoxide fumes. He had an electric hot air system in his flat and when this was repaired the thermostat was deliberately overridden. This caused overheating/production of CO. Member of public drowned when he fell into a water filled excavation in the road. He was returning from the pub and a section of the temporary road barrier was found in the excavation as well. Roadworker aged 25 was asphyxiated after he became trapped in a concrete batching hopper. The project involved upgrading a trunk road in a remote location. Welder aged 39 asphyxiated when he was overcome by argon during specialist welding work undertaken as part of factory refurbishment work. Entered vessel where argon had accumulated and was overcome. Site security guard aged 34 was killed when he was overcome by fumes from a portable gas-fired heater in site hut. Project involved building new car showroom. FATAL ACCIDENTS TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC2 Causes of Fatal accidents to Members of the public Chart 35
TRANSPORT/ SITE PLANT 8% FALL FROM HEIGHT 14% STRUCK BY/ CRUSHED 17% TRANSPORT/ REVERSE 13% MISC 8% DROWN/ ASPHYX 8%

TRANSPORT/ RTV 24%

SLIPPED 8%

Forty fatalities to members of the public caused by construction activities were recorded, eight of which (20%) were to children. The most common were transport accidents, with a total of 18 fatalities (45%).

Details of these fatal accidents are included under previous headings