Confined Spaces


OSHA Reminds Employers to Prevent Workplace Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Carbon monoxide overexposure symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, or tightness across the chest. Severe overexposure can lead to neurological damage, coma, and death.

OSHA Issues $422,006 Fine to Texas Contractor

OSHA's inspectors determined that the company exposed employees to a hazardous atmosphere, failed to train employees on the health hazards of hydrogen sulfide, and did not drain water from the trench.

U.S. Fatal Work Injury Rate Dropped in 2017

Fatal falls were at their highest level in the 26-year history of the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) and accounted for 887 workers' deaths. BLS also reported that fatal occupational injuries involving confined spaces rose 15 percent to 166 in 2017 from 144 in 2016.

The familiar hierarchy of controls shows that elimination is the most effective risk control strategy, while PPE is the least effective. (WorkSafeBC graphic)

Key Protections for Arc Welders

Controlling the risks is done by applying the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls (such as ventilation systems to remove welding fume), administrative controls, and finally, PPE.

We congratulate the 22 winners in our tenth annual contest recognizing the most innovative new safety products.

2018 NPOY Contest Winners Honored

OH&S congratulated winners of the tenth annual contest during the 2018 National Safety Council Congress & Expo in Houston.

Gas Detection for Safe Confined Space Entry

It's more than a best practice—it is essential to test the air prior to and during entry, as OSHA requires.

Proper testing of a confined space

Confined Spaces: We Have a Failure to Communicate

Given the statistics on confined space deaths, shouldn't rescuers know about atmospheric conditions before entering and attempting rescue? And shouldn't the attendant know about the entrants' readings in real time anyway?

Big OSHA Fine Issued in Electrocution Case

The agency has placed the contractor in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program. "Electrocution is one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry," said OSHA Pittsburgh Area Office Director Christopher Robinson. "Complying with OSHA safety and health standards is not optional. Employers are required to take necessary precautions to prevent tragedies such as this."



Nonprofits Receive $620,000 in MIOSHA Grants

The MIOSHA CET Grant Program funds additional options for health and safety education and training for employers and employees, focusing particularly on hazard recognition and prevention for high hazard industries.

OSHA Updates NEP on Trenching and Excavation Safety

OSHA’S NEP will increase education and enforcement, and each area OSHA office will work on outreach programs.

The expo will take place inside the George R. Brown Convention Center, which opened on the east side of downtown Houston on Sept. 26, 1987. (Julie Soefer Photography)

Get Ready for the Year's Biggest Trade Show

Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center is the site for this year's NSC Congress & Expo.

There is no continuous focus from the employers on realistically preparing, supervising, and protecting our workers before entry.

We Must Change the Statistics of Confined Space Injuries and Fatalities

The reality is permit required confined spaces are still the leading cause of multiple fatalities in the workplace.

OSHA Cites Contractors After Towboat Explosion

Three employees were killed and two others critically injured following an explosion aboard a towboat in Calvert City, Ky., on Jan. 19, 2018. The five contractors collectively received 55 violations with proposed penalties totaling $795,254.

Fatality Case Shows Dangers of Deep Confined Spaces

An AIHce EXP 2018 session presenter analyzed a 2012 fatality inside a sewer valve vault that was 18 feet, 6 inches deep.

New ASSE Standard Coming Soon for Wind Turbine Construction, Demolition

Remote work, turbine height, limited access, and turbine manufacturer variables are challenges addressed in ANSI/ASSE A10.21, which establishes requirements for job site work and equipment. Publication of the new standard is expected in June 2018.

OSHA Cites Pennsylvania Manufacturer

OSHA cited the manufacturer of dog treats for 19 violations, including failing to implement lockout/tagout procedures, blocking electrical panels, failing to develop a hazard communication program, and exposing workers to confined space, machine guarding, and electrical hazards.

Pipeline Construction Safety Training Program Announced

The course will provide industry-specific training that includes fire safety, safety in confined spaces, and fall hazards, with an API-U certificate issued upon completion of the course.

Minnesota OSHA FY2017 Safety Grants Topped $1M

The agency's latest newsletter says MNOSHA Workplace Safety Consultation's Safety Grants during the fiscal year totaled $1,021,436 to 155 applicants.

One Tall Order

Wind turbines are getting larger and larger. Some turbines' nacelles can be about 160 meters—about 525 feet—above the ground, and the blades can be about 75 meters long.

Most Emergency Response Plans read well on paper but have gaps that typically come to light only when a plant-wide drill is conducted to test the plan.

The Value of Realistically Testing Your ERP

Warning! This is a test. This is a test of the Emergency Response Plan.

Featured

Artificial Intelligence