Safety Alert

Failed to safeguard workers at risk

At your next safety meeting, consider asking staffers to demonstrate the use of atmospheric monitoring equipment – and make sure they know to always test the air inside confined spaces before entering them.

Company: Mo-Vac Service Co., Edinburg, TX.

Business: Tank Cleaning.

Agency: OSHA.

Fine: $127,750 (proposed).

Reason for fine: Supervisors didn’t require workers to test the air inside confined spaces prior to entering these danger zones.

Note: During an OSHA inspection, employees who hadn’t taken proper safety precautions were observed cleaning the inside of trucks and trailers that contained hazardous substances.

Reprinted with permission from Safety Alert for Supervisors, June 20, 2005. Copyright 2005 by the Institute of Business Publications.

Index to Safety Alerts

For up-to-date safety information and news, visit our safety blog.