2020 Fatal Combined (MSHA)
Here is a nice ppt from MSHA showing their 2020 fatality cases. SAFTENG members can download the ppt.
The LIMITED MEANS to perform electrically “energized work”
I do not write a lot about Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices (ESRWP) as I tend to leave this area of safety to those who specialize in it. But as safety professionals, we MUST be trained in these safety practices so as to ensure our workers are being protected by following these ESRWPs. The #1 failure
Some Major Changes for NFPA 70E 2021 Edition
From NFPA’s 2021 70E Factsheet… Article 110: Some requirements in Article 110 have been reorganized for a more logical progression, including moving general principles of lockout/tagout from Section 120.2 and general principles of an electrically safe work condition and energized work requirements from Section 130.2. New subsection 110.5(K) REQUIRES that an employer’s electrical safety program
Attributes of a “Safe Worker”
by Roger F. Evans CSP, CHMM, SGE Often times you will hear stories of “centurions” citing specific lifestyles and/or attributes they believe have contributed to their longevity. Their stories are often quite interesting. They will talk about their diet, work habits, exercise scheme, family life, and their own personal secrets to their longevity, etc. In
PRCS fatality during internal inspection with inerting in a fractionation vessel
A tower mechanic was entering a fractionation vessel at a gas facility to prepare a final inspection of the vessel. The interior of the vessel was under a nitrogen purge, and the worker was using supplied air. Shortly after entering the vessel, the worker went into distress. The on-site emergency response team extracted the worker
Worker H2S fatality @ Oil Battery
An operator was found unresponsive at an Oil Battery. The operator’s body was found lying inside a partially open utilidor where a valve was open and gas escaping. The battery is a sour gas (oil & gas with hydrogen sulphide) site. The Medical Examiner report stated the cause of death was due to hydrogen sulphide
Bleeder valve left open during tank truck unloading causes fatal NH3 release
A bleeder valve was left open during transport truck anhydrous ammonia delivery, causing a large amount of ammonia to enter and violently rupture an aluminum caged plastic Intermediate bulk container (IBC or tote) filled with water. The IBC/Tote rupture released ammonia and the delivery driver suffered fatal injuries and other workers, including a facility employee,
Failed energy isolation during process opening and poor communications results in fatal NH3 release
NOTE: this occurred in 2007 – I just missed it in my research and just now posting it. At a meat product processing plant Employee #1 and Employee #2 were working on the production floor near a section of piping that had been removed the prior day during the rerouting of an ammonia refrigerant line.
Argon cylinders leak causing 4 employees to be hospitalized
At approximately 5:40 pm. on October 17, 2007, a wiring employee came to a press brake to get more pieces from Employee #1, a press operator. Employee #1 turned and put down a piece, collapsed to the floor, and experienced convulsions. The wiring employee panicked and asked the laser operator for help. The laser operator
Inert Gas hazards associated with MIG (metal inert gas) and TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding
On December 31, 2008, a welder was preparing to conduct TIG welding on a 2″ X 65″ run of pipe located in the vent trunk compartment of an aluminum vessel under construction. The estimated height where the pipe entered the compartment was about 1.5′ from the bottom of the deck.
Stainless Steel process equipment and corrosion under insulation (CUI)
It is not unusual to hear many engineers lay claim that by using stainless steel piping, that they are fully eliminating the risk of corrosion under insulation (CUI) within their piping circuits. But could stainless steel piping be susceptible to CUI much like it’s cousin in the piping family… carbon steel? The short answer is
Worker dies in potable water tank from Cardiomegaly and OSHA issues 1926.1211 citation
At 1:30 p.m. on May 14, 2000, an employee was painting the inside a 200,000-gallon potable water storage tank. At some point, the employee collapsed and was rescued from the space by two coworkers who provided CPR until emergency medical services arrived. The employee died of Cardiomegaly (enlarged heart). Even though this death was NOT