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Circumstances of fatal lockout/tagout-related injuries in manufacturing.

Authors
Bulzacchelli MT; Vernick JS; Sorock GS; Webster DW; Lees PSJ
Source
Am J Ind Med 2008 Oct; 51(10):728-734
Link
https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.20630
NIOSHTIC No.
20034822
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.
Keywords
Machine operators; Industrial equipment; Maintenance workers; Mortality data; Injuries; Traumatic injuries; Training; Equipment design; Equipment operators; Equipment reliability; Safety education; Safety measures; Author Keywords: injury; occupational safety; lockout/tagout; machine; manufacturing
Contact
Maria T. Bulzacchelli, Department of Public Health, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003
CODEN
AJIMD8
Publication Date
20081001
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
bulzacchelli@schoolph.umass.edu
Funding Type
Grant
Fiscal Year
2009
Identifying No.
Grant-Number-T42-CCT-310419; Grant-Number-T42-OH-008428
Issue of Publication
10
ISSN
0271-3586
Source Name
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
State
MD; MA
Performing Organization
Johns Hopkins University
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division