Search

Tragic Confined Space Deaths Lead to 10 Serious OSHA Violations

Posted on 7/21/2017 by Roger Marks

Three workers died tragically in January in a workplace accident involving a confined space and toxic gas. Now, the utility company and the contractor that employed the workers face $119,500 in penalties for ten serious OSHA safety violations.

After a pipe-layer entered a manhole and lost consciousness, two co-workers attempted to rescue him, and all three perished—sadly a common trait of confined space incidents.

The two workers who tried to rescue their unconscious colleague reacted to human nature: the desire to somehow help in the heat of a terrifying moment. In these moments, effective safety training is crucial to prevent further loss of life. Only employees trained and equipped with proper PPE are authorized to enter a permit-controlled confined space.

The employer in this case allegedly failed to provide training to employees in confined space safety. In addition, the company did not create and document a confined space entry permit, failed to implement a written hazard communication program, and did not properly test for toxic gas in the confined work space.

Read more: Creating OSHA Work Permits for Hazardous Jobs

Q. What is a confined space?

A. A confined space is a space that is:

1.Large enough that an employee can enter it and perform work, but
2.Not designed for continuous employee occupancy, and
3.Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit.

[29 CFR 1910.146(b)]

Examples of confined spaces include tanks, hoppers, and other large means of containment, as well as structures like grain silos, vaults, and pits.

Q. What is an OSHA permit-required confined space?

A. A permit-required confined space is a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:

1. It contains, or has the potential to contain, a hazardous atmosphere (e.g., toxic gas in a sewer or carbon dioxide buildup in a space with poor ventilation);
2. It contains a material that has the potential for engulfing a person who enters it (e.g., grain in a silo);
3. It has an internal configuration with inwardly converging walls or downward sloping floors with small cross-sections that could trap or asphyxiate a person who enters the space; or
4. It contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard (e.g., exposed electrical elements or moving machinery)

[1910.146(b)]

OSHA Confined Spaces Training

The Confined Space Entry Awareness Online Course builds employee understanding about the hazards of confined spaces and OSHA’s requirements for permit-controlled confined spaces.  Make absolutely sure that your employees know who is authorized to enter confined spaces at your facility—and who must stay clear. When it comes to OSHA permit-controlled confined spaces, straightforward, effective training can save lives.  

Tags: confined, fines and penalties, osha, spaces

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

My experience with Lion classes has always been good. Lion Technology always covers the EPA requirements I must follow.

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Spot and correct 4 of the most common universal waste errors before they result in a notice of violation during a Federal or state inspection.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.