In the recent news, a story about a worker who lost both of his legs during a workplace accident involving an auger screw and a confined space has become known.
On August 28th, two workers were using an auger screw in a confined space at the bottom of an industrial air filter device. In this instance, one worker was down in a confined space without a permit-required confined space program, as well as the auger screw not being de-energized and locked out before any workers entered the hopper. This led to the worker crawling down into the confined space to retrieve a light, and another worker, who was 45 feet away, energizing the screw to perform a test. The worker, who was inside the confined space, was pulled into the conveyer of the screw and caught there. As a result, his legs needed to be amputated to free him.
Unfortunately, this situation happens a lot. When company disregards proper procedures, including having the right permits, and sufficiently training their workers, danger, injury, and even death. Although he escaped death, he lost his ability to walk, now permanently disabled, and has lost his livelihood. This worker is not the only one affected by this incident. The worker who turned on the machine will now live with the imagery, and even the guilt of causing such a serious injury to his fellow worker. The company, did not escape from the effect. They are being fined $283,390 for workplace safety and health violations, and the company also had a similar violation eight years ago, according to Cal/OSHA. They can also deal with other legal repercussions because of the injury their worker sustained for choosing not to follow proper procedures.
This incident shows a lack of regard for the workers’ health and safety by not providing that permit, or even having the worker monitored by a confined space attendant. Instead of putting your worker at risk, ensure that you have the proper safety preventions signs in place on any controls used, that you train your worker on the proper handling techniques of the machinery, and that all workers are certified and have permits for the job that they will be performing. By following these general guidelines, your workers will be safe, and your company will not be at risk for those fines and endangerment that follow.
For More Information: Confined Space Training and Lockout/Tagout Training
Source Information: pasadenastarnews.com