OSHA “Lessons Learned” From Structural Collapses
In an effort to prevent future construction accidents, OSHA recently took a closer look at all construction structural collapses that occurred between 1990 and 2008. This included 96 collapses which occurred in a variety of structures, including steel, concrete and timber, both high-rises and low-rises.
What they found was that “construction errors contributed to 80% of the structural collapses” examined. Steel structures like platforms and scaffolds were involved in 62% of the collapses.
After closely examining all collapses during this time period, OSHA developed several recommendations moving forward, in the form of “lessons learned.” The entire report can be viewed here, but some of the recommendations include:
- Design the entire structure, including components, using the latest applicable industry standards.
- Consider construction loads during design.
- Avoid exterior slender columns supporting wider perimeter beams.
- Ask for field testing of crucial welds.
- Provide stability checks against lateral-torsional buckling.
- Evaluate vortex shedding for tall stacks.
- Check against seepage forces during sheet piling embedment design.
- Verify loads during final design.
- Caution the contractor to provide temporary bracing for unreinforced masonry walls, joists and roof trusses.
- Verify existing concrete strength, rather than making an assumption.
- Determine proper load paths during design.
- Follow AISC specification for single-angle design.
- Provide proper bracing or rigid connections to resist lateral loads in both directions.
Structural collapses have the potential to be particularly tragic. In the OSHA report, you can see that several of these collapses resulted in multiple construction site deaths. Others injured many, including one project that injured 17 construction workers.
The cause of each construction accident is listed in the report. Some of these causes included:
- There was inadequate temporary connection of the members and placement of construction materials over the roof members.
- Formwork support system was underproportioned for both vertical and horizontal loads.
- Unplanned additional dead load placed over the single and double tees caused the collapse.
- Placement of brick at various tiers of the scaffold frame overstressed the frame.
- The scaffold platform structure, as it was configured and erected in the field, was not designed for the loads imposed on it.
- The design of the concrete masonry wall was inadequate for both construction and permanent loads.
- The timber roof trusses collapsed because they were not adequately braced.
The causes vary widely, but the results can be equally catastrophic.
About Ginarte Construction Accident Attorneys
The New York and New Jersey construction attorneys with the Ginarte Law Firm are dedicated to seeking justice for construction workers hurt on the job. We know how dangerous your job can be and just how traumatic injuries like these are.
If you’ve been injured on a construction site and need help navigating the system, contact us today to discuss your case. Call (888) GINARTE now.
