Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1483326.015 - Waste Connections Of St Louis, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Saint Louis Area Office

Investigation Summary

On July 7, 2020, an employee was working for a solid waste collection firm. He was a new employee. He was working as a helper on a collection truck. He collected recycling materials and used a lifting arm to dump them into the back of the truck. The employee worked outside from around 7:15 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. During the day, he took approximately three 10- to 15-minute breaks and a 30-minute lunch break. He spent most of his day riding on the back of a truck. At about 10:00 a.m., he complained to his driver of overheating. He continued to work for an additional six hours. The driver did not notify anyone of the new employee's symptoms. At the end of his shift, he began exhibiting symptoms of heat-related illness. He complained of cramps and nausea. He also vomited several times and was unable to retain fluids. The employee returned to the office and described his symptoms to a member of management. By now, these symptoms included cramps in his arms and nausea. Sometime after 6:00 p.m., the employee was driven to De Paul Hospital after suffering multiple episodes of vomiting. He was diagnosed with hyponatremia and heat exhaustion. The employee was admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital. He died on July 12, 2020. On July 7, 2020, the ambient air temperatures ranged from 26.1 to 33.9 degrees C (79 to 93 degrees F), with 44 to 79 percent relative humidity, and a calculated wet-bulb temperature of 23.9 to 34.4 degrees C (75 to 94 degrees F). The excessive heat level exposed acclimatized and non-acclimatized workers alike to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion.

Keywords: Cardiovasc System, Garbage Truck, Heat Exhaustion, Heat index, Heat-related illness , Nausea, Training, Vomit