A worker removed the lockout on a screw conveyor system on a cement silo, re-energized it to align the conveyor shaft for repair, and was killed when he was caught in the conveyor. An investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration found both the materials producer and the repair contractor at fault in the incident.
G&R Mineral Services was cited for three serious violations and fined $38,715. G&R, located in Birmingham, Alabama, is the maintenance and repair contractor that was performing repairs on the screw conveyor system mounted on top of a cement silo. OSHA cited G&R for failing to remove employees from areas surrounding unguarded screw conveyors, failing to establish specific procedures for controlling hazardous energy, and failing to inform the host employer of their lockout/tagout procedures.
Read also: 7 Steps for Efficient Lockout/Tagout
G&R was performing maintenance on a silo operated by HM Southeast Cement, Port Everglades, Florida. OSHA cited HM for three serious violations and fined it $43,554. The agency found that HM failed to establish specific procedures for controlling hazardous energy, perform periodic inspections of the energy control procedures to prevent accidental contact with ingoing nip points and rotating parts, and review and coordinate lockout/tagout procedures with its contractor.
“This tragedy is a reminder of the importance of properly developed and implemented lockout/tagout procedures,” said Condell Eastmond, OSHA area office director in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “Employers and contractors must assess the hazards before anyone touches the machinery and must use lockout/tagout procedures to prevent serious injuries or death.”
The two companies have 15 business days to respond to the citations.
Source: OSHA
