Workplace Safety: Preventing Accidents and Ensuring Worker Well-Being

What are the potential causes of a worker falling off a scaffold resulting in a broken leg?

a) Lack of proper fall protection equipment

b) Poorly maintained scaffold structure

c) Inadequate worker training on scaffold safety

d) Slippery or uneven working surface on the scaffold

Final answer:

Answer:

A worker's fall from a scaffold resulting in a broken leg could be due to lack of proper fall protection equipment, poor scaffold maintenance, inadequate training on scaffold safety, or a slippery/uneven working surface. These issues highlight safety risks in the workplace and emphasize the importance of proper worker training and adherence to safety protocols.

Explanation:

A worker falling off a scaffold resulting in a broken leg can indeed be caused by several factors such as: a) Lack of proper fall protection equipment, b) Poorly maintained scaffold structure, c) Inadequate worker training on scaffold safety, and d) Slippery or uneven working surface on the scaffold.

Each of these instances represent a significant safety risk in the work environment. Proper installation and maintenance of fall protection equipment are necessary to prevent workers from falling off of high-rise structures such as scaffolds. When such equipment is missing or inadequate, a worker is at risk. Similarly, when a scaffold structure is poorly maintained, it may collapse or be unstable, increasing the risk of falls. Lack of or inadequate worker training about scaffold safety is another common cause. Workers need to be educated about the proper use and potential dangers of working on a scaffold. Lastly, a slippery or uneven working surface can also lead to a worker losing balance and falling.

Reflecting on example 4.17, as safety engineer's opinion indicates that a high fraction of industrial accidents are due to failure of employees to follow instructions, thus reinforcing the need for proper worker training and adherence to safety protocols.