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. Published 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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. Published 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Authors: David L Parker; Samuel C Yamin; Min Xi; Lisa M Brosseau; Robert Gordon; Ivan G Most; Rodney Stanley Journal: J Occup Environ Med Date: 2016-01 Impact factor: 2.162
Authors: Kirsten McKenzie; Margaret A Campbell; Deborah A Scott; Tim R Discoll; James E Harrison; Roderick J McClure Journal: BMC Med Inform Decis Mak Date: 2010-04-07 Impact factor: 2.796
Authors: David L Parker; Samuel C Yamin; Min Xi; Lisa M Brosseau; Robert Gordon; Ivan G Most; Rodney Stanley Journal: J Occup Environ Med Date: 2016-09 Impact factor: 2.162