Gutter Installer Dies after Falling from Roof

The following report is the product of our Cooperative State partner and is presented here in its original unedited form from the state. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the individual Cooperative State partner and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

SUMMARY

On Saturday, July 20, 2019, a 47-year-old male gutter and siding installer (victim) was installing gutter guards on the second story roof of a private residence. While working, the victim fell 8 feet and 3 inches from the second story roof, struck the first story roof below, rolled off and fell an additional 10 feet to the concrete surface below.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Key contributing factors identified in this investigation include:

• Failure to utilize fall protection when working at heights.
• Working at heights with a medical condition which poses a direct safety threat.
• Failure to recognize job hazards.
• No safety training on fall protection.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Kentucky FACE investigator concluded that, to help prevent similar occurrences, employers should:

• Train employees on and enforce the use of fall protection when working at heights above 6 feet.
• Implement a job hazard analysis process.
• Employers who learn of physical disabilities which pose a direct threat to an employee’s safety should perform threat assessments to evaluate his/her ability to safely perform assigned job duties.

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