Death following accidental compression of neck by safety harness: A case of fall from height

Abstract

Work related fall from height many a times causes fatal injuries and death amongst working in various construction sites. It leads to different types of fatal bodily injuries including spinal injuries causing economic burden to the family. Although, they have been provided with protective gears and proper training for its use; it has been observed that workers are not using these in a proper ways. They eventually met with accidents which can easily be prevented. Accidental compression of neck by safety harness following fall from height has rarely been described leading to death of the individual. A case was brought for autopsy following accidental compression of neck structure causing fracture of cervical spine and transaction of spinal cord. In this paper, the case has been described with its autopsy findings.

Occupational injuries among male construction workers in Spain

“…These results might be associated with some ergonomic issues [27][28][29]. An example of this can be found in the accidental compression of the neck by a safety harness [20].…”

“…However, fatal accidents used to be associated with head injuries after a fall from height [17]. Based on previous research, it is important to study the influence of variables associated with the part of the body injured, such as the head, neck, back, and extremities [18][19][20][21].…”