The 1st Michigan worker death of 2015 occurred on January 15, 2015. Employers and employees are urged to use extreme care and safety diligence in all work activities.
Summary of incident: On January 8, 2015, a 37 year old sheet metal worker was in the process of torch cutting and welding when it is believed he had ignited the flame-retardant insulation between the hopper and building structure. The fire traveled up the 65-foot tall structure trapping the sheet metal worker inside the hopper. Fire-Fighters were able to extricate him, but he had sustained burns to his head and severe burns to his hand and wrist in addition to smoke inhalation. The sheet metal worker, one other employee, four sub-contractor employees, and two fire-fighters were transported to area hospitals. All but the sheet metal worker and one other employee were observed and released. The sheet metal worker succumbed to his injuries as a result of the fire on January 15, 2015.
Editorial Comment from me… the insulation was fire RESISTANT – not fire PROOF! I hear this ALL the time when I come across HW being done within feet of unprotected building insulation… “it fire proof insulation so we do not need to shield it”.
If you need help or assistance in ensuring your workplace is safe, MIOSHA is here with resources to help. The Consultation Education & Training (CET) Division provides workplace safety and health training and consultations to employers and employees throughout Michigan free of charge. Contact CET today at 800-866-4674 or submit a request online at www.michigan.gov/cetrca.
Every life is precious. Our mutual goal must be that every employee goes home at the end of their shift every day!