US: Plumbing contractor fined after worker’s death in manhole
OSHA investigation found plumbing contractor could have prevented workers fatal fall by following safety procedures.
The following is an abridgement of an article originally published on the OSHA website.
Fatal fall and hydrogen sulphide exposure
A 34-year-old worker from a plumbing contractor company died after falling 20 feet into a manhole and inhaling hydrogen sulphide gas whilst working at a school in Georgia, USA. The company was replacing a sewer line when a blockage in a pipe was found. In order to clear the blockage near the end of a 60-foot-long-trench (~ 18 metres), one worker entered a manhole. Shortly after, the worker fell 20 feet (~ 6 metres), experienced injuries from the fall and exposure to a high atmospheric concentration of hydrogen sulphide gas.
OSHA investigation: findings and citations
OSHA investigated the incident and found that the company violated several standards for trenching and excavation work.
High hydrogen sulphide concentration
The Fire Department used a gas monitor to test the air inside the manhole and found the presence of hydrogen sulphide at 1,910 parts per million. The OSHA permissible exposure limit for hydrogen sulphide is 20 ppm. An environmental concentration of 100 ppm is considered immediately dangerous to life or health.
Entry program, testing and ventilation, ladders and water controls
OSHA cited the employer for wilfully failing to develop and implement a permit-required confined space entry program, including testing and ventilating the space, before allowing employees to enter a manhole. The agency also cited 6 serious violations for not providing ladders or other safe means of egress from the 6-foot-deep trench and protections or controls for water accumulation inside the trench.
Failure of trench inspection
In addition, the employer failed to have a competent person inspect the trench prior to workers entering and for not ensuring excavated soil and uninstalled piping were stored at least two feet from the trench edge, preventing them from rolling back inside the trench and striking workers.
As a result, OSHA proposed $184,387 in penalties and cited the company for wilful and serious violations.
Implications and further reading
OSHA said the company’s failure to adhere to industry guidelines resulted in a preventable loss of life. The agency urged employers to implement safety controls and train employees to recognise and avoid hazards.
Among the industry's most dangerous hazards, unsafe trenching and excavations led to 40 construction workers suffering fatal injuries in 2022.
The agency's trenching and excavation webpage provides information on trenching hazards and solutions, including a video on tips for safe excavations.
Sources
US Labor Department cites Silver Creek plumbing contractor after 34-year-old employee's fatal fall, exposure to hydrogen sulfide by OSHA, 26th January, 2024.
