On Jan. 16, Elway Gray, a 34-year-old pipe layer, entered a manhole in South Florida – a confined space – and quickly became unresponsive. Louis O’Keefe, a 49-year-old laborer, entered the manhole and attempted to rescue Gray. After O’Keefe also became unresponsive, Robert Wilson, a 24-year-old equipment operator, followed to help his fallen coworkers. All three men died.
Post-incident atmospheric testing in the manhole revealed lethal levels of hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide. Two other employees and a volunteer firefighter also were exposed to the toxic gases in the manhole during rescue attempts but survived.
“The hazards of working in manholes are well established, but there are ways to make it safe,” said Condell Eastmond, the OSHA area director in Fort Lauderdale. “Three employees needlessly lost their lives and others were injured due to their employer’s failure to follow safe work practices.”
Provides employees with the information they need to stay safe in Permit Spaces and helps employers stay in compliance with OSHA requirements. View Product
Confined Space Entry: Emergency Rescue
Learn best safety practices and proven procedures to recover injured or incapacitated workers. View Product
Confined Space Atmospheric Testing
Help educate individuals on the basics and importance of proper atmospheric testing techniques for confined spaces. View Product
