A project manager in the Canton of Bern has received a fine following a serious construction accident. A worker fell from an unsecured roof edge, sustaining injuries. Investigators found no safety concept was in place for the site.
Key Takeaways
- A project manager was fined 1,500 Swiss francs and ordered to pay an additional 1,570 francs in fees.
- A construction worker fell 2.2 meters from a roof due to an unsecured edge.
- The construction site lacked a required safety barrier and a comprehensive safety plan.
- This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in the Swiss construction industry, where over 5,000 fall accidents occur annually.
Unsecured Roof Leads to Worker Injury
The incident occurred on a construction site in the Canton of Bern. A worker slipped and fell approximately 2.2 meters from a roof edge. This fall resulted in injuries to the individual.
Authorities determined that the construction site lacked a crucial safety measure: a prescribed roof edge protection barrier. This barrier is designed to prevent falls and protect workers from serious harm.
Fact: Fall Height
The worker fell about 2.2 meters, or roughly 7 feet, from the roof edge.
Further investigation revealed a significant lapse in site management. There was no safety concept developed for the construction project. Additionally, no person was specifically designated to oversee work safety on the site.
Project Manager Convicted and Fined
The 51-year-old project manager responsible for the site faced legal action. He was found guilty of violating the Accident Insurance Act (UVG).
The Cantonal Public Prosecutor's Office issued a penal order against him. This order included a substantial fine and additional charges.
"The lack of a safety concept and an unsecured work area directly endangered the worker," stated the penal order from the Public Prosecutor's Office of the Canton of Bern.
The project manager received a fine of 1,500 Swiss francs. In addition to this, he must pay 1,420 francs for investigation fees and another 150 francs for expenses. The total financial penalty amounts to 3,070 Swiss francs.
Persistent Risks in Construction Safety
This incident underscores the ongoing safety challenges within the construction industry. Despite efforts to improve safety, accidents remain a concern across Switzerland.
According to Simone Isermann of Suva, the accident risk in the main and ancillary construction trades has decreased by 11 percent over the last ten years. However, the sheer volume of incidents remains high.
Context: Suva's Role
Suva is the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund. It plays a vital role in preventing accidents, ensuring the rehabilitation of injured individuals, and compensating for the economic consequences of accidents and occupational diseases.
Each year, more than 50,000 accidents occur on Swiss construction sites. Of these, over 5,000 are fall-related accidents. Falls are particularly dangerous and often lead to severe outcomes.
Impact of Fall Accidents
Fall accidents on construction sites result in an average of 140 cases of disability and nine fatalities annually. These figures highlight the critical need for strict adherence to safety protocols.
More than one-third of all occupational accidents on construction sites that lead to permanent injury or death are fall accidents. This makes falls a leading cause of serious harm in the sector.
Key Statistic
Around half of all fatal fall victims on construction sites fall from heights of up to five meters.
The data shows that even falls from relatively low heights can have devastating consequences. This emphasizes that safety measures, such as edge protection and comprehensive safety planning, are essential for all elevated work areas, regardless of perceived height.
Preventative Measures and Industry Responsibility
Construction companies and project managers hold a primary responsibility for worker safety. Implementing and enforcing robust safety concepts are not merely regulatory requirements but fundamental duties.
Regular site inspections, proper training for all personnel, and the provision of adequate safety equipment are crucial. These measures help to mitigate risks and prevent accidents like the one seen in Bern.
- Comprehensive Safety Concepts: Every construction project must have a detailed safety plan.
- Edge Protection: Required safety barriers must be installed on all elevated work areas.
- Designated Safety Personnel: A trained individual should oversee safety on site.
- Worker Training: Employees must receive training on safe work practices and hazard recognition.
The conviction of the project manager in Bern serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for neglecting safety obligations. Ensuring a safe working environment must remain a top priority for everyone involved in construction.