OSHA Insider

Essential Updates

November 2024 Edition

Welcome to Our November 2024 Safety Spotlight

Safety Overlooked: Tragic Incidents Across Industries Demand Urgent Action

Hello Safety Advocates,

In this edition of our newsletter, we delve into three grave incidents that occurred across different industries, each leading to tragic outcomes and significant regulatory responses. These stories underscore the dire consequences of neglecting safety protocols and highlight the essential need for stringent adherence to occupational safety standards.

1. Fatal Crane Collapse at Fort Lauderdale High-Rise: A Preventable Tragedy: A young worker's life was tragically cut short due to a crane collapse during construction work on a high-rise building in Fort Lauderdale. This incident sheds light on the crucial need for rigorous safety checks and proper equipment maintenance to prevent fatal accidents.

2. Massachusetts Contractor's Safety Failures Result in Tragic Employee Death: In Massachusetts, a waterproofing contractor's disregard for essential safety measures led to a worker’s death when a foundation collapsed in a trench. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring structural stability and protective measures in excavation sites.

3. Nebraska Grain Cooperative Cited for Combustible Dust Hazards: A Nebraska grain cooperative faced significant fines after failing to control combustible dust, putting workers at risk of fire and explosion. This incident highlights the critical nature of maintaining clean and safe work environments to prevent such hazardous conditions.

Through these narratives, we are reminded of the critical role safety practices play in preventing accidents and safeguarding lives. Let these lessons motivate us to champion safety and vigilance in our workplaces to ensure such tragedies are not repeated.

Stay safe and proactive,

Dale

Fatal Crane Collapse at Fort Lauderdale High-Rise: A Preventable Tragedy

In a grievous incident underscoring the critical importance of adhering to safety standards, a 27-year-old rigger tragically lost his life following a crane collapse at a residential construction site in Fort Lauderdale in April 2024. This incident not only resulted in a fatality but also highlighted severe lapses in safety protocols by the contractors involved.

Investigation and Findings

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted a thorough investigation into the incident. It was discovered that a Rigging & Erecting company, as well as a Crane company failed to implement necessary safety measures that could have prevented the accident. During the installation of a section on a tower crane intended to increase its height, a support cable failed, causing the platform on which the workers stood to become displaced. While one worker, who was properly tied off to an anchor point, was rescued, the other, whose lanyard was not secured, suffered fatal injuries from a 30-story fall.

Violations and Citations

The Rigging & Erecting company, based in Mableton, Georgia, received citations for three serious violations, including:

- Failure to identify and replace or repair corroded and cracked pins or bolts on the crane’s climbing frame.

- Neglect of fall protection equipment usage.

- Inadequate pre-inspection of crane components to assess for damage or excessive wear.

The Crane Company, located in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, was cited for two serious violations related to:

- Oversight of significantly corroded and cracked pins and bolts, and improper application of end connections.

- Allowing work to commence without ensuring that crane components such as U-bolt clamps, bolts, pins, thimbles, and wire ropes were adequately inspected for potential damage.

Consequences and Safety Responsibilities

The OSHA Area Director in Fort Lauderdale emphasized, "Neglecting workplace safety requirements can be a matter of life or death. If these companies had made safety a priority, a young man’s family, friends, and co-workers wouldn’t be facing this preventable loss." He reiterated the responsibility of construction employers to ensure that workers use fall protection in hazardous situations.

The total proposed penalties for these violations amount to $61,299, the maximum legally recommended by OSHA. This incident adds to the concerning statistics reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which noted that 423 of the 1,056 construction worker fatalities in 2022 were related to falls, slips, or trips.

Moving Forward with Safety First

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous safety protocols and training in preventing workplace accidents. It underscores the need for all employers, especially those in high-risk industries like construction, to prioritize worker safety above all else. Employers are encouraged to utilize OSHA’s resources to develop comprehensive safety and health programs and to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Massachusetts Contractor's Safety Failures Result in Tragic Employee Death

In a grave incident that underscores the vital importance of adhering to workplace safety standards, a Massachusetts waterproofing contractor has been cited for multiple safety violations following the death of an employee. The tragedy occurred in February 2024, when a foundation section collapsed onto a worker in a trench beneath a residence in Hanson, Massachusetts.

Incident Details and Investigation Findings

The contractor was found by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to have exposed his employees to severe cave-in, caught-between, and structural collapse hazards. These conditions arose due to inadequate protective measures for the trench and the building foundation.

The fatal accident occurred when the employee, following instructions, entered the unprotected trench to prepare a foundation wall for waterproofing and to excavate an area for concrete footings. The trench was not safeguarded against collapse, and necessary safety protocols such as water removal and provision of an exit ladder were neglected.

Violations and Penalties

The OSHA Area Director in Braintree, Massachusetts, stated, that the contractor "should never have placed workers in this trench until the excavation and the building’s foundation were guarded against collapse, workers were properly trained, water was removed from the trench and an exit ladder was provided.” He emphasized that the incident was "entirely preventable."

OSHA’s investigation led to the issuance of two willful and six serious violations, reflecting the employer's disregard for established safety practices. The proposed penalties amount to $283,115, underscoring the severity of the infractions.

Employer’s Responsibility and Next Steps

This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of neglecting safety measures in construction and excavation work. Employers must ensure that all operational areas, especially those involving structural and excavation work, are compliant with safety regulations to protect employees from harm.

The employer has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Closing Thoughts

As we reflect on this incident, let it be a call to all employers and workers in similar industries to prioritize safety, undertake necessary training, and rigorously adhere to safety standards to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Nebraska Grain Cooperative Cited for Combustible Dust Hazards

In a concerning development, a Nebraska grain cooperative has been cited for significant safety violations that exposed workers to severe risks of fire and explosions. The infractions stem from the cooperative's failure to adequately manage and remove combustible dust within its facilities, which has led to a hefty penalty exceeding half a million dollars.

Inspection Findings and Safety Violations

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted an inspection at the cooperative’s grain elevator in Hemingford, Nebraska, following a complaint about unsafe working conditions. This inspection was part of the agency's regional emphasis program for grain-handling facilities.

During the inspection, it was discovered that the cooperative allowed more than one-eighth inch of grain dust to accumulate in critical areas, such as the bottom belt tunnel and around the elevator legs. Investigators also noted that duct tape was used in a makeshift repair on the dust collection system, compromising its effectiveness and increasing the risk of failure. Such conditions are particularly dangerous as grain dust can ignite rapidly, causing devastating fires and explosions.

Comprehensive List of Violations and Penalties

The cooperative was cited for two willful and 22 serious safety and health violations, with proposed penalties totaling $536,965. The violations included:

- Failure to conduct regular inspections of equipment.

- Lack of certification for completed preventive maintenance.

- Non-compliance with permit-confirmed space requirements, which should include procedures for entry operations encompassing hazard evaluations, atmospheric testing, rescue procedures, monitoring, and training.

- Exposure of workers to fall hazards due to unguarded stairway holes and missing handrails.

- Inadequate electrical safety, including uncovered openings and improper use of flexible cords.

- Absence of required forklift training.

- Improper labeling of containers holding hazardous chemicals.

Industry Collaboration and Training Initiatives

To address these hazards and improve safety standards within the grain handling industry, OSHA has partnered with organizations such as the Grain Handling Safety Coalition, Grain Elevator and Processing Society, and National Grain and Feed Association. These partnerships aim to enhance safety management systems, reduce risks, and prevent severe injuries and fatalities through better handling practices and safety training.

Company Response Opportunity

The cooperative has a 15-day period from the receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Final Thoughts

This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of rigorous safety practices in grain handling operations. Employers must ensure that all safety measures are in place and strictly followed to protect workers from potentially life-threatening hazards.

Stay informed and committed to safety,

Dale

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About the Author

Hey Everyone,

As we conclude this edition of our newsletter, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for joining us on this journey of safety enlightenment. The stories we've shared, from the tragic to the triumphant, remind us of the critical importance of our collective commitment to workplace safety.

These cases serve as a sobering reminder of the real-world consequences when safety protocols are overlooked. It underscores the necessity for each of us to not only advocate for stringent safety measures but to actively implement them in our daily operations.

As your partner in safety, I'm inspired by our shared dedication to creating safer work environments. Let the insights from this edition motivate us to review, refine, and reinforce our safety practices. Remember, the strength of our safety programs lies not just in compliance but in our unwavering commitment to protect every worker who trusts us with their well-being.

Looking ahead, we promise to continue bringing you the most relevant, informative, and actionable safety insights. Your feedback, stories, and engagement fuel our mission, and together, we can forge a future where workplace accidents are a rarity, not an expectation.

Until our next edition, stay safe, stay informed, and never underestimate the impact of your role in safeguarding the health and safety of our workplaces.

Warmest regards,

Dale