Scaffold safety for day laborers: The need for appropriate training to prevent fatalities

Background:

The California Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (CA/FACE) Program conducts surveillance of workplace fatalities to prevent future fatalities. Previous research demonstrated higher numbers of workplace deaths among Latino workers as compared to other ethnic groups. A fatality investigation of a day laborer who fell off a scaffold demonstrates the need for safety training appropriate for this vulnerable population.

Methods:

CA/FACE investigators interviewed the homeowner, the victim's siblings, and the scaffolding rental store agent to learn more about the incident. The etiology of the fatality was determined and prevention recommendations were developed. Research to identify existing scaffold safety materials appropriate for day laborers was conducted. CA/FACE staff surveyed day laborers to determine their knowledge of scaffold use, and worked with them to develop appropriate training materials.

Results:

The victim was born in Mexico and spoke only Spanish. He was hired off a street corner to reface the exterior of a private residence. He rented a scaffold and erected it using improper methods; he was working alone and not wearing any fall protection devices. Research identified a lack of training materials appropriate for day laborers. The survey results and materials developed will be presented.

Conclusions:

This investigation demonstrates that day laborers are often asked to perform dangerous work without proper equipment or training. Furthermore, while fall protection and scaffold safety materials have been developed, they are not readily accessible to day laborers. Including day laborers in the development of appropriate training materials is critical to improve workplace safety.