Cal/OSHA recently launched a statewide Confined Space Special Emphasis Initiative to focus attention on the hazards posed by confined spaces in worksites. Cal/OSHA also issued a Confined Spaces Hazard Alert to assist employers with identifying confined space hazards and taking steps to prevent injuries.

The initiative was spurred by investigations of confined space deaths and injuries in California. In 2011, seven California workers were killed in confined space incidents, including two young brothers who died from toxic gases in an underground drainage system at a recycling center.

Confined spaces can include tanks, silos, pipelines, sewers, storage bins, drain tunnels and vaults, and can be found in many industrial worksites and also in non-industrial settings, such as health care, education and retail. 

“Confined spaces can be deceptively dangerous. It is even more tragic that over 60% of confined space worker deaths occur to would-be rescuers who attempt to save a worker who initially succumbs,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Ellen Widess. “These confined space fatalities are preventable with proper programs in place.” 

Cal/OSHA will conduct a yearlong campaign on confined space hazards stressing the importance of identifying confined spaces in the workplace, notifying and training employees about the hazard, and ensuring that on-site rescue plans are in place.

Author: Gail Cecchettini Whaley

HR Watchdog, HRCalifornia’s Employment Law Blog, © California Chamber of Commerce.