Citation

Bulzacchelli MT, Vernick JS, Sorock GS, Webster DW, Lees PS. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2008; 51(10): 728-734.

Affiliation

Department of Public Health, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/ajim.20630

PMID

18702095

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Over the past few decades, hundreds of manufacturing workers have suffered fatal injuries while performing maintenance and servicing on machinery and equipment. Using lockout/tagout procedures could have prevented many of these deaths. METHODS: A narrative text analysis of OSHA accident investigation report summaries was conducted to describe the circumstances of lockout/tagout-related fatalities occurring in the US manufacturing industry from 1984 to 1997. RESULTS: The most common mechanisms of injury were being caught in or between parts of equipment, electrocution, and being struck by or against objects. Typical scenarios included cleaning a mixer or blender, cleaning a conveyor, and installing or disassembling electrical equipment. Lockout procedures were not even attempted in the majority (at least 58.8%) of fatal incidents reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Lockout/tagout-related fatalities occur under a wide range of circumstances. Enhanced training and equipment designs that facilitate lockout and minimize worker contact with machine parts may prevent many lockout/tagout-related injuries.
Language: en