[UPDATE] Cause of Death of 3 Construction Workers Who Died in Florida Manhole Determined

via CBS 4 Miami

In January of this year, tragedy struck a Florida construction company when 3 construction workers died while working underground below a newly paved road.  After the first worker entered the hole and collapsed after entering the confined space through a manhole, the second went in to rescue him and also collapsed, followed by the third. After a post-incident investigation, OSHA has released their findings, as well as several fines.

Atmospheric testing after the incident showed that there were high levels of hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide, which proved lethal. In 2015, OSHA released a new set of standards for entering confined spaces in the construction industry.  After a 60 day delay, those new rules became effective on October 2, 2015.

OSHA ended up citing the contractor with 10 serious violations, which totaled $119,507 in fines. All 10 citations can be viewed on the Department of Labor’s website, in full, by clicking here.

The 10 violations are as follows:

1. Failure to develop and implement a written hazard communication program, which includes 29 CFR 1910.1200(f),(g), and (h).
   1. Fine: $12,675.00
2. Entrance to confined space was not protected by railing, temporary cover, or other barrier
   1. Fine: $5,432.00
3. Employer did not test for toxic gasses prior to employees entering the entire space
   1. Fine: $12,675.00
4. Employer failed to “identify and evaluate the hazards of permit required confined spaces before employees enter them”
   1. Fine: $12,675.00
5. Employer did not remove the toxic gasses prior to employees entering the confined space
   1. Fine: $12,675.00
6. Testing and monitoring equipment was not provided and maintained
   1. Fine: $12,675.00
7. Employer failed to provide safety equipment for employees entering the confined space
   1. Fine: $12,675.00
8. Employer did not develop and implement a procedure to contact emergency services, as related to rescuing employees from a confined space
   1. Fine: $12,675.00
9. Failure to document the completion of items required by 29 CFR 1926.1204(c) by preparing a permit
   1. Fine: $12,675.00
10. Employer did not provide training to each employee entering the confined space, as required by 29 CFR 1926.1207.
    1. Fine: $12,675.00

According to NIOSH, more than 60% of confined space deaths are would-be rescuers, meaning those who are trying to save a victim.  With that in mind, it’s extremely important to train your employees on safe practices of entering confined spaces.