Selected Occupational Fatalities Related to Toxic and Asphyxiating Atmospheres in Confined Work Spaces as Found in Reports of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Fatality/Catastrophe Investigations

摘要

The study of occupational fatalities related to toxic and asphyxiating atmospheres in confined work spaces, during the period 1974-82, continues the utilization of the OSHA fatality/catastrophe investigation reports as a source of information on how workplace incidents occur. The study is divided into three sections: Toxic Atmospheres, Asphyxiating Atmospheres, and Other Hazards in Confined Work Spaces. One hundred twenty-two selected case files are used, involving 173 fatalities. In many incidents, more than one person was killed. Often these deaths occurred in an attempted rescue. Each incident was assigned to one of four categories of factors most likely responsible for precipitating the incident, even though several factors may have been present. These categories are: Operating Procedures, Equipment/Material/Facility Related, Environmental Conditions or Other. Employee activity at the time of the incidents is examined. Standards cited are presented. This report includes the 122 cases.