Confined Space Safety: Understanding the Risks and Preventive Actions
Keller Lugo, PTSCTP
EHS professional focused on improvement, leadership and team motivation.
Confined spaces present significant hazards across a variety of industries, including construction, general industry, and mining. Defined by limited entry and exit points, poor ventilation, and often hazardous atmospheres, confined spaces can lead to fatal accidents if not properly managed. According to OSHA standards, such areas require specific safety measures to ensure the wellbeing of workers. These confined spaces may include tanks, pipelines, trenches, and even storage silos.
The most common hazards associated with confined spaces are oxygen deficiency, the buildup of toxic gases, and engulfment. National statistics show that asphyxiation is a leading cause of fatalities in confined spaces, accounting for around 60% of deaths, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Workers who enter confined spaces without conducting proper hazard assessments or using personal protective equipment (PPE) are at significant risk.
Confined space accidents are preventable with the proper safety protocols. OSHA’s regulations under 29 C.F.R. § 1910.146 mandate several critical actions, including hazard assessments, continuous atmospheric monitoring, and the use of PPE like respirators and harnesses (Standard for Permit-Required Confined Spaces, 2023). Companies must also implement a permit system to control entry and exit in confined spaces and ensure workers are trained to respond to emergencies. These protocols not only protect workers but also ensure that businesses remain compliant with federal safety regulations.
The significance of confined space safety extends across construction, manufacturing, and general industry. Accidents in these environments are avoidable, provided that the right preventive actions, including proper ventilation and training, are in place. Companies must prioritize confined space safety, as failure to do so not only puts workers at risk but also exposes businesses to legal penalties and significant operational disruptions. Read more about confined space safety practices on our blog, and visit Key Safety LLC’s website to learn how we can help you stay compliant and protect your workforce.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Confined space fatalities and incidents. U.S.
Standard for Permit-Required Confined Spaces, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.146. (1993).
Standard for Confined Spaces in Construction, 29 C.F.R. § 1926.1201. (2023).