Inspection Detail

Note: The following inspection has not been indicated as closed. OSHA citation items will be posted 30 (thirty) days after the employer receives the citation(s), except in cases of significant public interest. Posted citation items reflect any amendments to citations that are the result of a prompt settlement, which OSHA encourages. Employers and employee representatives will continue to receive copies of the citation(s) upon issuance.

Inspection: 1760193.015 - Global Earthworks + Underground Llc

Inspection Information - Office: Kansas City Area Office

Investigation Summary

At 5:00 p.m. on July 13, 2024, Employee #1 entered a manhole to tape piping in preparation for pouring concrete inverts. Shortly after entry, a coworker, stationed topside, observed that Employee #1 appeared pale and was sweating profusely. When asked, Employee #1 indicated difficulty breathing. As Employee #1 attempted to climb the steps to exit the manhole, he experienced a medical incident, lost consciousness, and fell back to the bottom of the manhole. Investigations revealed the presence of an oxygen-deficient environment likely due to carbon dioxide and other oxygen-displacing gases. The fall caused secondary complications, including submersion in water at the bottom of the manhole.

Keywords: Asphyxiated, Carbon Dioxide, Climbing, Concrete, Confined Space, Fall, Fall From Elevation, Lack of oxygen, Manhole, Oxygen, Oxygen Deficiency, Shortness of breath, Step, Unconsciousness, Unresponsive, Water