Confined Spaces


MSHA Releases Preliminary Fatality Data for 2011

Of the 37 fatalities reported, 12 occurred at surface coal mines, 11 at surface metal/nonmetal mines, nine at underground coal mines, and five at underground metal/nonmetal mines.

Worker Caught in Grain Bin Auger, S.D. Firm Fined $95,920

A worker at a grain handling facility was caught in a moving bin sweep auger and suffered severe injuries to his leg and arm.

On-Duty Firefighter Fatalities Down from 2010: USFA

Heart attacks were responsible for the deaths of 48 firefighters (59 percent) in 2011, nearly the same proportion of firefighter deaths from heart attack or stroke (60 percent) in 2010.

Fatal Explosion Leads to Tennessee Firm's $46,600 Fine

OSHA opened an inspection following a July incident in which one worker died and another was severely burned when a spark from a light ignited paint vapors inside the compartment of a pontoon dredge, which was being painted to reduce corrosion.

DOL Sues Granite Quarry to Collect $142,992 in Unpaid Fines

The 58 citations carry civil penalties of $125,432.37. Since becoming final orders, some extending back to 2007, those penalties have been accruing interest and other charges totaling not less than $17,560.53.

International Asbestos Awareness Conference Slated for March

Conference presentations will include advances in diagnosing and treating asbestos-related diseases, preventing asbestos exposure in the home and workplace, patient resources, and a global advocacy session.

Houston Recycling Plant Penalized for Exposing Workers to Hazardous Substances

OSHA began its investigation in August in response to a complaint, and found workers exposed to sulfuric acid and caustic soda while recovering silver from X-ray film and processing plastics for recycling. Proposed penalties total $144,760.

OSHA Fines Utility Firm $118,580 Following Worker's Death in Manhole

OSHA's Fort Worth Area Office initiated an inspection on June 28 in response to a report that employees working on a new sewer line were exposed to inhalation of a hazardous chemical.



MSHA Announces Results of November Impact Inspections

MSHA recently announced that federal inspectors issued 315 citations, orders, and safeguards during special impact inspections conducted at 10 coal mines and six metal/nonmetal mines last month.

NIOSH Releases Roster Summary Report on Deepwater Horizon Response Workers

The work from which the report was drawn marks the first time that NIOSH has developed a prospective, centralized roster of workers for a response event of this magnitude.

NIOSH Releases Automotive Repair Safety Agenda

Health and safety issues in the automotive repair industry include injuries involving sprains and strains, cuts and lacerations, and bruises and contusions.

Worker's Overexposure to Carbon Monoxide Leads to $66,990 Penalty

The citations follow an incident that occurred in June at a work site where workers were installing a new drain system. A worker using a powered saw to cut a hole in a storm drain box was overexposed to carbon monoxide from the saw and had to be taken to a hospital for treatment.

Putting the Right Signs in the Right Places

Enlist a safety team. Push your managers, machine operators, and safety personnel to gain a broad perspective on warehouse, assembly, and other manufacturing equipment and operations.

Animal Feed Processor Penalized Following Worker's Fatal Engulfment

The company was cited for 21 violations of workplace safety standards following the May 11 death of an employee who was fatally engulfed by cotton seed stored in a silo. Proposed penalties total $155,200.

OSHA Releases New Educational Videos on Construction Hazards

The videos are based on real-life incidents and include detailed depictions of hazards and the safety measures that would have prevented these injuries and fatalities.

Double Fatality at Texas Oil Rig Leads to $93,700 Fine

About five employees were performing drilling operations in the area when the kelly bushing came apart and fatally struck two employees working on the drill floor.

Texas Shipbuilder's LOTO, Repeat Hazards Carry $150,700 Fine

Some of the serious violations include failing to repair a defective hook latch on a crane, ensure the appropriate use of lockout equipment for energy sources, and provide training on confined spaces.

Hazard Recognition Training to Prevent Future Failures

With all of the changes in duties expected of emergency responders, it is imperative that we revamp our training methods.

CSB Report: Oil, Gas Production Sites Pose Hazards to Public

The report identified regulatory gaps at the federal and state levels and called on the EPA and state regulatory bodies to improve current safety and security measures at exploration and production sites.

Fines Pile Up for Texas Firm Following Worker's Grain Engulfment

OSHA cited Corpus Christi Grain Co. for six willful and 20 serious violations with total proposed penalties of $258,900.

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