Page 387 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

CONTRACTOR’S FALL IN COOLING TOWER

ARRESTED BY FALL PROTECTION

EQUIPMENT

On March 23, 2009, a subcontractor on the NRD Project slipped and
fell while working at an elevation of twelve feet inside a cooling tower in
the Baytown Refinery. The individual’s fall was arrested by his self-
retracting lanyard (SRL). The incident resulted in a minor first aid

injury, contusion to the left shoulder.

Investigation Findings:
• At the time of the incident the

worker was working on double
2x4 horizontal rafters that
support the internals of the
cooling tower. The worker stated
that the 2x4 was slippery due to
algae.
• The worker slipped from the
2x4's and fell toward the bottom
of the cooling tower.

• The contractor was wearing the
proper fall protection equipment – an SRL - since the clear space
below the work area was less than 18.5 feet, and it saved him
from serious injury.
• The worker was tied off to a proper anchor point, e.g. the
intersection of the 4x4's and 2x4's (see photo).