Workers Comp

Wash. roof manufacturer fined nearly $100,000 in death

Louise Esola

February 16, 2022 Reprints

Regulation Workers Comp Coverage Workplace Safety More + Less -

The failure to follow basic lockout/tagout procedures was directly connected to the death of a worker in Sumas, Washington, in July 2021 when an agitator arm inside a tank he was cleaning turned on, according to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, which says its investigation has resulted in a $98,000 fine.

IKO Pacific failed to control the power supply to dangerous equipment and failed to properly supervise work in confined spaces, according to the department, which cited the company for 17 serious violations and one general violation following the investigation into the fatality.

Energy control incidents happen when machinery unexpectedly or accidentally gets power and starts up because the power source isn’t shut off or “locked out.” Seven of the violations stem from not following their own energy control and lockout procedures. The company failed to have an authorized employee specifically responsible for checking to ensure the safety of the tank.

The investigation revealed IKO Pacific had a written energy control plan that, if followed, would have prevented the equipment from operating while the worker was inside the tank.

Also, because of the dangers of working in enclosed spaces, businesses are also required to take specific steps to keep workers safe in these confined areas, of which IKO failed to ensure, according to the department.