On September 20, 2017, a contractor was fatally injured while rappelling within a conditioning tower. The victim was examining the inside of a 300’ vertical conditioning tower when an object fell from above and struck him in the head. The victim was conscious and transported to a local hospital where he died of his injuries the next day.
Best Practices
- Remove all loose materials and other hazards before working.
- Have fall protection and available and ready for use.
- Check bin atmosphere for oxygen content, combustible gases, and toxic contaminants.
- Provide adequate lighting.
- Be sure the person entering the bin is trained in safe entry and confined space procedures.
- Have standby personnel available to observe and to assist in an emergency.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).