Need a policy because of a recent regulatory change? We’ve got it for you. Need some quick training on a specific HR topic? We’ve got it for you. HR Insider provides the resources you need to craft, implement and monitor policies with confidence. Our team of experts (which includes lawyers, analysts and HR professionals) keep track of complex legislation, pending changes, new interpretations and evolving case law to provide you with the policies and procedures to keep you ahead of problems. FIND OUT MORE...
Preventing Hero Culture: When Good Intentions Create Risk Fatality File

Worker Killed Attempting Unplanned Rescue in Confined Space

A worker entered a confined space tank to perform maintenance when hazardous conditions developed inside the space. The worker became unresponsive due to lack of oxygen. Seeing this, a second worker immediately entered the confined space to rescue their coworker—without proper equipment, atmospheric testing, or a rescue plan in place.

The second worker was also overcome within seconds. Both workers were later recovered by emergency responders, but both died as a result of asphyxiation. Investigations found that the incident escalated because of an unplanned rescue attempt, lack of proper confined space procedures, and absence of a trained rescue system. This type of incident is a well-documented OSHA pattern, where good intentions lead to multiple fatalities.

Source: https://www.osha.gov/