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When a confined space has one or more hazardous characteristics that could harm workers itrsquos considered a permitrequired confined space That means employers must control access to the area and use a permit system to prevent unauthorized entry Anyone working in or around a permitrequired confined space must be trained and there must be safety measures and rescue procedures in place

OSHA Cites Thorpe Specialty Services After Worker Falls 30 Feet

Sept. 5, 2018
Two companies cited for confined space and fall hazards.

Two Alabama employers face more than $20,000 in penalties after a worker was hospitalized following a 30-ft. fall.

OSHA investigated Thorpe Specialty Services Corp, operating as Thorpe Plant Services Inc., and Steel Dust Recycling LLC following the incident.

“Both companies’ failure to comply with fall prevention requirements led to a serious injury that could have been prevented,” said OSHA Birmingham Area Office Director Ramona Morris in a statement.

OSHA cited Thorpe the maximum allowable penalty for exposing employees to fall hazards.

The agency also cited the company for failing to conduct atmospheric monitoring before allowing employees to enter a confined space; failing to develop a permit prior to employees entering a confined space; and to ensure emergency services were provided when employees entered a permit-required confined space. Thorpe's citations total $175,528.

OSHA cited Steel Dust for exposing employees to fall hazards, failing to implement their permit space entry program and not advising Thorpe that the required work involved a permit space entry, according to the agency. Steel Dust proposed penalties total $28,270.

Both companies have 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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