OSHA has issued two (2) citations to a construction contractor for $14,000 after an employee died within a permit-required confined space on 12/7/2015. The company is contesting the citations. The citations involved:
1926.1203(e)(2)(iii) Before an employee enters the space, the internal atmosphere must be tested, with a calibrated direct-reading instrument, for oxygen content, for flammable gases and vapors, and for potential toxic air contaminants, in that order. Any employee who enters the space, or that employee’s authorized representative, must be provided an opportunity to observe the pre-entry testing required by this paragraph.
and
1926.1203(h)(5)(ii) The entry employer must inform the controlling contractor in a timely manner of the permit space program followed and of any hazards confronted or created in the permit space(s) during entry operations;
The accident happened at a nitrogen plant that was under construction. Just after 1 p.m. a worker was found unconscious in a vessel at a part of the facility which is under construction.
Sources:
http://www.wbrz.com/news/worker-dies-at-fertilizer-plant/
https://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/establishment.inspection_detail?id=1110099.015
SPECIAL NOTE: The host employer has had another PRCS contractor fatality in March 2016. CLICK HERE – OSHA case is still open at the time of this posting.
