May 16, 2000

Investigators from OSHA question whether proper safety procedures were in place before two men climbed into a semi-tanker and later died. It appears the men were killed by toxic fumes.

There's no definite word yet on the cause of the accident, but the case is prompting calls for strict adherence to safety rules in the workplace. News Specialist Jill Atwood has the story.

It's too soon to say exactly what happened to those two men yesterday. The investigation is still ongoing, but I can tell you that atmosphere hazards cause more injury and death than any other confined space hazard. So doing your homework ahead of time is crucial.

Images of yesterday's accident hammer home the need for strict confined space regulations and procedures. But procedures do no good unless they're followed.

Bob Parenti/Utah Safety Council: IN UTAH WE KILL APPROXIMATELY 31--ANYWHERE FROM 25 TO 31 INDIVIDUALS A YEAR AS A RESULT OF OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS.

There is no word yet on whether any violations which may have contributed to yesterday's accident occurred at the R&M plant.

But, Bob Parenti with the Utah Safety Council says first and foremost, companies need to specifically identify hazardous activities their employees may be involved in and go from there.

Tankers, grain elevators, manholes, pits, vaults, even storage facilities are all examples of confined spaces where people may work. All have the potential to be deadly.

Bob Parenti: MOST ON THE JOB ACCIDENTS ARE AVOIDABLE. BUT THE KEY FOR WORKERS IS EDUCATION AND TRAINING. THIS VIDEO LIBRARY OFFERED BY THE UTAH SAFETY COUNCIL IS A GREAT PLACE TO START. IN FACT RIGHT HERE--A SAFETY VIDEO ON WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES.

Training Tape/Utah Safety Council: THE ATMOSHERE INSIDE A CONFINED SPACE IS TESTED BY A MONITOR. INSERT PROBE INTO THE SPACE BEFORE ANYONE ENTERS. THE LIMITATION OF OXYGEN RESULTS IN HEALTH HAZARDS. AN OVERABUNDANCE RESULTS IN AN EXPLOSION HEALTH HAZARD.

Other hazards may include toxic gases or vapors, chemicals, heat, noise and radiation. Hazards Bob Parenti says companies may not even be aware of.

Lastly, he says always have an emergency plan in place in case something goes wrong.

Bob Parenti: ANYTIME YOU HAVE A TRAGIC SITUATION, A FATALITY--ANY TIME YOU HAVE AN INJURY, THAT'S ONE TOO MANY.