An OSHA safety investigation has found another rail car products and services provider did not follow federal safety standards for working in permit-required confined spaces after two workers died from inhaling toxic fumes. OSHA determined that an employee became unresponsive after entering a natural gasoline rail car with the intent of cleaning the space on Aug. 12, 2020. A second employee entered the rail car and was also overcome after attempting to rescue the fallen worker. Both workers were eventually recovered and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. OSHA found that the company failed to require a permit to allow entry into the rail car, ventilate the space, monitor hazards inside a confined space, and complete entry permits for work inside a confined space, as required. OSHA cited the company for 11 serious violations and two willful violations and has proposed $419,347 in penalties. Here are the citations:
