Occupational Fatalities Related to Fixed Machinery as Found in Reports of OSHA Fatality/Catastrophe Investigations

摘要

Reports of OSHA fatality/catastrophe investigations have been cited as an underutilized source of information on how workplace incidents occur. This study analyzes these reports on fatalities related to fixed machinery for 1974-1976, highlighting problem areas of interest for standards setting, compliance efforts, and safety inspector training. Incidents are classified by the type of activity primarily responsible for the incident operation procedures, accidental activation, machine deactivation, equipment failure, and other. Secondary factors, not necessarily recognized as problems in the investigation reports, are identified. Citations issued as a result of incidents are examined to determine gaps in current OSHA standards. Fifty eight case studies are presented. The approach outlined in this report for classifying incidents and utilizing the investigation reports can be applied to study other types of occupational fatalities if problems with the uniformity, consistency, and quality of data collected in fatality investigations are addressed.