On the Safe Side – Confined Space Tragedy in Key Largo, FL

SAFETY CORNER
Confined Space Tragedies. Why Are These STILL Happening?
Submitted by Patricia Chesebrough, PE; NHWPCA Safety Committee

On Monday, January 16, 2017 in Key Largo, Florida, three utility workers lost their lives, a firefighter was critically injured, and three Sheriff’s Deputies were taken to the hospital, when they were overcome by hydrogen sulfide and methane fumes in and around a manhole.  Work was being performed by one individual, who fell victim to the hazardous atmosphere. This is a terrible tragedy, but it didn’t stop there. Another utility worker descended into the manhole, and then a third, to also become victims themselves. But, it didn’t stop there. When first responders arrived on site, a firefighter descended into the manhole and also became a victim. A second firefighter, properly equipped with a SCBA, descended into the hole and was able to rescue the first firefighter, who was airlifted to the hospital and survived. It was too late to save the three utility workers.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to their family and friends.

OSHA is investigating this tragic accident, but their findings won’t bring back our fallen brothers. We are left wondering how such a tragedy could happen. Why didn’t the first worker recognize the hazard and take proper precautions?  Why didn’t the second worker recognize the hazard once his colleague went down? After two colleagues went down, why didn’t the third recognize the hazard? These questions are not asked in judgement of the fallen; rather, in judgement of our apparent inability to teach our workers to recognize and avoid confined space hazards. We have laws, regulations, policies, procedures, permits, training, etc., etc., etc., but none of these seem to be effective in getting the message across to those who need it. Behavior is not changing and people are still dying in confined spaces.  What can be done to fix this?

Obviously, there is no simple answer to this question. But, we can make sure those around us hear about this terrible tragedy in hopes that it will change the behavior of even one worker.  Please share this story; tell all your employees, supervisors, and any anyone else that will listen.  Post it on the bulletin board or wherever you can.  Let’s all do our part to change behavior and prevent confined spaces from claiming any more lives!

This article was originally published in the NHWPCA Newsletter: The Collector.  The NHWPCA Safety Committee is pleased to have brought you this article in hopes of keeping all our members safe. Would you like to see us write about a specific topic?  Do you have a Near Miss stories? Please send all ideas for Safety Corner to Patty Chesebrough (chesebroughp@wseinc.com or 978-532-1900). All reports are confidential.

Please be safe everyone!

 

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