269991 Confined Space Fatality Investigations and Cal/OSHA's New Special Emphasis Program to Prevent More Deaths

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 11:24 AM - 11:42 AM

Victor Copelan , Cal/OSHA, Los Angeles, CA
     
In 2011 there were seven reported deaths from confined space incidents in California, including the deaths of 16-year-old and 22-year-old brothers from toxic gas exposures in a drainage tunnel of a “green garbage” recycling center. This presentation will describe several of these deaths and subsequent fatality investigations, identify the principle requirements of effective confined space entry programs and the necessity for trained, equipped on-site rescue personnel. In February 2012, Cal/OSHA launched a state-wide Special Emphasis Program that involves having every enforcement and consultation service site visit evaluate the workplace for confined spaces and evaluate the employer's policies and procedures to protect its employees. The presentation at APHA in October 2012 will report on the preliminary results of this new initiative to date.

Learning Areas:
Occupational health and safety
Public health administration or related administration
Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines

Learning Objectives:
This presentation will describe several of these deaths and subsequent fatality investigations, identify the principle requirements of effective confined space entry programs and the necessity for trained, equipped on-site rescue personnel.

Keywords: Government, Workplace Safety

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been a field compliance officer for Cal/OSHA for more than 10 years and have conducted inspections throughout Los Angeles County.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 4138.0: Major Enforcement Cases and New Initiatives at Cal/OSHA