FACTS

Key hazards related to confined spaces that require a permit in the landscaping industry.

1. Oxygen Deficiency: Confined spaces may have insufficient oxygen levels, particularly in areas like storage tanks, septic systems, or underground vaults.
2. Toxic Atmospheres: Confined spaces can accumulate toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, or methane, often without any visual warning signs.
3. Engulfment Hazards: Workers in confined spaces like trenches, pits, or silos may be at risk of engulfment by loose materials such as soil, sand, or mulch. This can result in suffocation.
4. Limited Access and Egress: Confined spaces often have restricted entrances and exits, making it difficult for workers to escape in an emergency or for rescuers to access them.
5. Atmospheric Explosions: The accumulation of flammable gases or vapors in confined spaces can lead to explosive atmospheres.
6. Physical Hazards: Confined spaces may contain physical hazards such as machinery with moving parts, electrical equipment, or sharp objects.
7. Lack of Communication: Poor communication is a significant risk in confined spaces, where workers may be isolated from others. This can delay emergency response and increase the severity of incidents.

STATS

• From 2011 to 2018, there were 1,030 confined space entry fatalities across all fifty states.
• (CCOHS) highlights that confined spaces are responsible for multiple fatalities each year across various industries, with improper hazard assessment being a leading cause.
• According to OSHA, nearly 60% of confined space fatalities involve would-be rescuers. This statistic underscores the dangers involved in confined space work, particularly in environments like landscaping, where workers may enter confined spaces without proper training or equipment.
• (BLS) reports that approximately 92 fatalities occur annually in confined spaces across all industries.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that confined spaces contribute to a significant number of injuries, with the general injury rate for confined space incidents as high as 50% of all entries.