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Confined space fatalities in Virginia
1Division of Health Hazards Control, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond 23218.
Journal of Occupational Medicine. : Official Publication of the Industrial Medical Association
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Occupational fatalities in confined spaces are a serious workplace hazard, primarily affecting male laborers and often caused by atmospheric conditions like oxygen deficiency. Rescuer injuries also highlight the dangers of these incidents.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Safety and Health
- Environmental Health
- Forensic Pathology
Background:
- Confined spaces pose significant risks in various industries, leading to numerous fatalities and injuries.
- Understanding the patterns of occupational confined space incidents is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the frequency and characteristics of occupational confined space fatalities and injuries in Virginia between 1979 and 1986.
- To identify the leading causes and contributing factors of these incidents, including accident types and demographic data.
Main Methods:
- Review of multiple data sources: death certificates, workers' compensation files, OSHA records, and medical examiner records.
- Analysis of 50 fatalities and associated nonfatal injuries from 41 distinct confined space accidents.
- Statistical examination of decedent demographics, toxicology results, accident timing, location, and causes.
Main Results:
- Confined space incidents accounted for approximately 5% of "at work" civilian deaths in Virginia during the study period.
- The majority of fatalities involved male craftsmen, operators, or laborers under 50 years old; alcohol was detected in 2 cases.
- Atmospheric conditions, particularly oxygen deficiency and carbon monoxide, were the leading causes, with toxic gases sometimes absent upon entry.
- Shipbuilding and repair facilities had the highest fatality rates per million employees.
- Rescuers were involved in 6% of fatalities, with 50 nonfatal injuries reported among rescuers.
Conclusions:
- Occupational confined space incidents represent a notable cause of workplace fatalities, with atmospheric hazards being a primary concern.
- The findings underscore the need for stringent safety protocols, particularly regarding atmospheric monitoring and rescue procedures in confined spaces.
- Targeted interventions in high-risk industries like shipbuilding are essential to reduce confined space-related deaths and injuries.