Gangway and Roof Walk Accidents

OSHA requires employers to protect personnel whether they are working on the land or at sea. Because different work environments have different fall hazards employers must be aware of the regulations that apply to them. This includes the requirements for gangways and roof walks.

What is a Gangway?

A gangway is a raised walkway or platform that provides means of access from one place to another. Gangways provide passage to and from many commercial transportation vehicles including:

• Barges and Ships
• Rail Cars
• Truck Trailers, and more

Employers are responsible for ensuring gangways are properly equipped and inspected. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a gangway accident, consult an experienced fall protection attorney today. There are specific regulations set in place to protect workers who are exposed to fall hazards in this environment.

What OSHA Regulations Apply to Gangways on Sea Vessels?

OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1918.22 contains many regulations regarding the use of gangways for longshore work including:

• Each side of the gangway, and the turntable, if used, shall have a handrail with a minimum height of 33 inches (.84 m) measured perpendicularly from rail to walking surfaces at the stanchion, with a mid-rail. Rails shall be of wood, pipe, chain, wire, rope, or materials of equivalent strength and shall be kept taut always. Portable stanchions supporting railings shall be supported or secured to prevent accidental dislodgement. 29 CFR 1918.22(b)
• When the gangway overhangs the water so that there is a danger of employees falling between the ship and the dock, a net or suitable protection shall be provided to prevent employees from receiving serious injury from falls to a lower level. 29 CFR 1918.22(e)
• Obstructions shall not be laid on or across the gangway. 29 CFR 1918.22(h)
• Handrails and walking surfaces of gangways shall be maintained in a safe condition to prevent employees from slipping or falling. 29 CFR 1918.22(i)
• Gangways on vessels inspected and certificated by the U.S. Coast Guard are deemed to meet the requirements of this section. 29 CFR 1918.22(j)

Your employer has a duty to provide you with a safe workplace and these codes demonstrate the industry standard for doing just that. Thus, if your employer failed to comply with these regulations and you were injured as a result, you should consult our on-the-job accident attorneys regarding your legal rights.

What is a Rooftop Walkway?

A rooftop walkway, otherwise known as a roof walk, is a system designed to create easy and safe transportation on your rooftop. They can be customized to work with a variety of different roofs to ensure that areas that require access are protected from any potential fall hazards.

Rooftop Hazards

Potential rooftop hazards include:

• Electrocution from uncovered, weathered wires
• Falls from high elevations due to the wind and/or unguarded ledges
• Roof collapse
• Falls due to loss of balance on sloped surfaces

Consult an Attorney that Understands Gangway and Roof Walk Accidents

At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., our attorneys have been serving work injury victims since 1979. We understand how complex cases like these are and will do our part to help you throughout every step of the process. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of an employer, call (713) 932-0777 today.