Two Contractors Killed After Entering Oxygen-Deficient Sewer Manhole Without Required Safety Controls

Two contracted workers from Belt Construction Inc. died after entering a newly installed sewer manhole at a project site in Edmond, Oklahoma without proper confined-space planning or atmospheric testing. The first worker descended approximately 20 feet below ground to conduct testing and immediately lost consciousness due to an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. A second contractor entered the manhole in an attempted rescue and also lost consciousness. Both workers later died from their injuries. OSHA’s investigation found that the contractor failed to perform required confined-space evaluations, including oxygen level testing and determination of […]