Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report in New Jersey: Construction Foreman Killed and Two Workers Injured When Exposed to Toxic Gases in a Sewage Pumping Station Dry Well

摘要

On June 14, 1994, a 32 year-old male construction foreman died and a laborer was critically injured after being exposed to toxic gases while working in a sewage pumping station dry well. Three workers had attempted to remove a blank that had been placed in a pipe to block the flow of sewage, causing trapped liquids and toxic gases to be released. Despite emergency treatment in hyperbaric chambers, the victim died of his injuries the next day and the second worker remained in critical condition. NJDOH FACE investigators concluded that, in order to prevent similar incidents in the future, these safety guidelines should be followed: (1) Employers should develop and implement a comprehensive confined space entry program. (2) Employers and employees should conduct a daily job hazard analysis of all work areas. (3) Contracting authorities should require contractors to specify how they will implement a safety and health program when bidding for a contract.