Incredible Photos of Fallen Construction Workers

These fall event photos came from Wayne Ruesswick of Bancroft Construction Company. Apparently the bridging structure collapsed and all workers fell at the same time. Fortunately, all workers were using fall protection, and were ultimately saved from a fatal fall.

These pictures show three things:

First, the pictures show how critically important fall protection equipment is.

Second, they show how far flexible wire ropes deflect. Using the height of a fallen worker as a scale, the total deflection of the wire rope calculates to 34 feet! The workers were very lucky they were working at 88 feet above the ground. If their working platform was 25 feet above the ground, they would have all hit the ground hard.

Finally, the pictures show how awkward it is to rescue someone who falls on a wire rope. On a wire rope system, all of the workers slide to the center of the wire rope, well out of reach of workers on the support towers. On a rigid track system, you would simply throw the worker a rope and pull them along the track to safety.

Fortunately nobody was fatally injured, but the 34 foot fall distance would be horrifying to watch and painful to experience. Judging from the lengths of the lanyard extensions (you can see some workers are significantly lower than others in the bunch, although all tied off to the same point), it seems that at least one worker fully ripped out his rip-stitch energy absorber and probably ended up on the 5000 lb strength back up strap (Ouch!).

I know from personal experience when testing various fall protection products that a fall of just a few feet can be violent and painful. A fall of 34 feet must have been very painful if not injurious.

Fortunately, they will all be able to go home to their families.

Thanks for reading!

As always- Stay safe, and I am here if you need me…..

Arnold Timothy Galpin, P.E.

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Michael Evanko
Nov 30, 2011
01:08 PM

Sandra, I agree, these pictures are incredible and certainly highlight the danger for non-believers. Enjoy your Wednesday afternoon!
Sandra
Nov 30, 2011
11:48 AM

Incredible! This is great for training those non-believers.