Between 2011 and 2018, 1,030 workers suffered fatal injuries associated with confined spaces. The most frequent events associated with these fatalities resulted from the collapse of the trench or excavation, engulfment in collapsing material, and inhalation of a harmful substance.

While examples of the various types of confined spaces can be found across industries, the requirement for a permit is needed to enter a space that has one or more of the following characteristics:

• Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere
• Contains material that has the potential to engulf an entrant
• Has walls that converge inward or floors that slope downward and taper into a smaller area which could trap or asphyxiate an entrant
• Contains any other recognized safety or health hazard, such as unguarded machinery, exposed live wires, or heat

It is not only necessary that workers be provided the training and protective systems to work safely in confined spaces, but those responsible for the work be able to verify the capability of everyone involved in the operations.

Key takeaways:
Situations where organizations work in or around a confined space without the knowledge, skill, ability, or oversight required by federal safety standards can result in tragedy and can cost employers hundreds of thousands of dollars in OSHA fines.

Read this white paper to learn how your business can keep fatalities at bay. Improving safety operations in confined spaces will not only reduce risk, but can also result in more efficient and higher quality work.