A U.S. Department of Labor investigation has revealed that Clean Harbors Environmental Services Inc., an environmental and hazardous waste management company based in Massachusetts, failed to adhere to safety regulations at a facility in Twinsburg, Ohio. This oversight led to the tragic death of a worker.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that the company did not follow legally required procedures for confined space entry. Specifically, they neglected to ventilate the area properly, test the environment, and use necessary non-entry rescue equipment such as a tripod, mechanical winch, and full-body retrieval harness.
As a result of these findings, OSHA has cited Clean Harbors Environmental Services Inc. for three willful violations and proposed penalties amounting to $602,938.
Employers are encouraged to visit OSHA’s website for detailed information on confined space entry safety requirements. The agency also offers compliance assistance resources and free help for adhering to OSHA standards.
