Safety Advice – NRA21-15 Dangerous Occurrence: Fall from scaffolding resulting in significant risk of drowning
OVERVIEW
On Friday 24th September, a scaffolding contractor was tasked with dismantling the tube and fitting scaffold between the south pier and the riverbank on a structure over water in Glasgow.
At approximately 09:15 one of the scaffolders was standing on a dropper tube when it slipped loose from its couplers, causing him to fall from the scaffold into the river along with the tube.
His harness and lanyard were clipped on the same dropper tube.
There was a rescue boat on standby and it immediately mobilised, quickly rescuing the scaffolder from the water.
The scaffolder was then taken to hospital by the emergency services. He was discharged around 14:00 on the same day.
Work on the structure has been suspended and an investigation is underway.
IMMIDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
- Always wear a harness when working at height, and know where your suitable anchor points are, unless other protection is in place.
- Ensure documented erection and dismantling procedures are in place and communicated.
- Ensure the control measures are being implemented and followed.
- Ensure life jackets are worn during all scaffold erection, dismantle and alteration works above watercourses.
- Ensure personal fall protection equipment (e.g. harness, lanyard, inertia reel, etc.) is relevant to the task, frequently inspected and maintained, and suitable anchorage points are utilised.