See Attached
Unit V Discussion Board
Go to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA)
“Fatality and Catastrophe Investigation Summaries”. Select a letter from the Keyword List at the bottom of the page, then select one of the keywords that is listed for that letter. Review an incident listed for that keyword by clicking on its “Summary Nr” number.
Provide a brief summary of what happened, and describe one control (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, or PPE) that you would recommend to reduce the risk of this incident occurring again. Explain what type it is according to the hierarchy of controls.
When formulating your comment, attempt to apply the highest level of control that you believe could reasonably be achieved. Respond to another student’s post, stating why you believe his or her recommended control is (or is not) at the highest level of the hierarchy of controls that could be reasonably applied.
Reply Stefanie Kirschke
In this OSHA incident (Accident #170927.015), a boilermaker was exposed to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) while performing work on a pipe and flipping a blind. During the task, the pipe unexpectedly released H2S, exposing the employee and a coworker. Because H2S is extremely toxic and acts fast, the employee was overcome by the gas and later died. This incident shows how quickly it can turn into a fatal hazard if it is not properly controlled before work begins.
To help reduce the risk of this incident happening again, I would recommend an
engineering control, specifically installing fixed H2S gas detection systems with alarms and proper ventilation in areas where it may be present. Engineering controls rank higher in the hierarchy of controls because they reduce exposure by addressing the hazard at the source rather than relying on worker behavior or PPE alone. Fixed gas monitors would provide early warning if gas levels rise, giving workers time to stop work and evacuate. Ventilation can also help lower gas concentrations before they reach dangerous levels. This control is more effective than relying only on respirators because it helps prevent exposure instead of reacting after exposure has already occurred.
