Fatal work injury from acute hydrogen sulfide (H2S) poisoning was described by Alice Hamilton in 1925. There is no unique ICD-9 code for H2S poisoning and therefore these deaths cannot be easily identified from vital records. We reviewed U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigation records for the period 1984-1994 for mention of substance 1480 (H2S). There were 80 fatalities from H2S in 56 incidents, with 14 fatalities among employees attempting to rescue co-workers and one death in a police officer attempting rescue. A majority (77%) of all the fatalities were in business establishments with 11 or more employees, which are subject to routine OSHA inspections. Only 17% of deaths were at workplaces covered by collective bargaining agreements with a labor union. There were 22 fatalities in oil & gas production and refining, and all but one were in the Rocky Mountain region, where crude oil is rich in H2S. OSHA issued citations in 75% of the deaths for violation of the respiratory protection standard and/or the confined space standard. The use of H2S detection equipment, availability of air-supplied respirators for use in toxic atmospheres, and confined space safety training would have prevented most of the fatalities.
Learning Objectives: To identify and analyze fatal work injuries from a toxicant that is not easily identified from vital statistics, hydrogen sulfide. To identify preventive measures for these deaths
Keywords: Toxicants, Death
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.