Toolbox Talk: Man Struck, Killed By
Tape Measure
A man delivering sheetrock to a construction site was killed in 2014 when a tape measure fell 50 stories and struck him on the head.
The one-pound tape measure dislodged from the belt of a worker on the 50th floor and struck construction equipment about 10 to 15 feet from the ground. It then ricocheted and struck the 58-year-old victim, who had just stopped to speak with another worker who was in a pickup truck.
The victim was taken to a hospital, where he died shortly thereafter.
The man wasn’t wearing a hard hat but had one in his truck at the time, according to a police report.
A spokeswoman for the company said the victim was delivering drywall product at the time of the accident but was employed by an independent trucking company.
Officials said two 50-story residential towers and an attached hotel were being built at the site of the accident.
Points to Remember:
1. Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment for the hazards on the job site.
2. Remember that we face hazards that are created by others and we may have little control over them.
3. Inspect your protective equipment regularly and remove any defective items from service.
4. Ensure appropriate warning signs, barricades, and spotters are utilized appropriately to warn of hazards.
