The use of hoppers in our workplaces is a necessity.
They come in all sizes and shapes and for the most part hazards associated with
them are not even a consideration. Here is a recent incident that highlights a
hidden hazard that might be present in many workplaces.
(Aluminium company name omitted) confirmed the death at its site off (location
omitted).
It happened around 2:30 p.m., (local) Fire & Rescue and Life EMS told
(local tv news channel). According to the (name omitted) Occupational Safety
and Health Administration, the worker — a 43-year-old maintenance technician —
was welding inside a pneumatically powered scrap chute when the pneumatic
clamshell closed.
Co-workers attempted CPR and used an AED before the arrival of first
responders, but a doctor on scene pronounced the employee dead.
"Everyone at (aluminium company) is deeply saddened and our thoughts
are with the family, in addition to the welfare of all of our employees,"
a (aluminium company) spokesperson said in a statement.
The spokesperson said (aluminium company) has made counseling available
to its employees.
We offer our sincere condolences to the
deceased worker’s family, friends, and colleagues. The news media articles state
that the worker was welding inside a chute when the pneumatic doors closed unexpectedly.
We do not know if the worker performed safe isolation/lock out tag out before
the task.
We post this tragedy to bring awareness to a
hazard hidden in your workplace. If you do have chutes or any machinery that has
pneumatic or hydraulics that a worker has to enter. In addition to lockout tagout/safe
isolation a last-ditch device (ldd) can be installed. The LDD is a customed device
that will physically prevent the machinery from moving if all safety measures
fail and the pneumatic/hydraulic activate. We recommend using old overhead crane
rails. Please note this is not a replacement of LOTO or safe isolation.
We will update this story when further
information is available.
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