Confined Space Hazards in the Workplace

Confined Spaces Poster

Compliance Poster Company alerts employers and employees of dangers associated with confined spaces in work sites across the state. The California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has launched a statewide Confined Space Special Emphasis Initiative in an effort to focus attention on the subject.  As noted by the Department of Industrial Relations Director Christine Baker, “employers in California are responsible for identifying and mitigating risks in the workplace”.

Employers and employees alike should be aware that confined spaces may be encountered in virtually any industry. Identification of a hazard is the first step in preventing workplace occurrences. At Compliance Poster Company we have a Confined Spaces poster that is mandatory-to-post per 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(2) to warn employees of the danger and notify persons that only authorized personnel may be allowed in the confined workspace. Our Confined Spaces Entry Program is designed to protect the health and safety of workers, subcontractors, and all others that may be exposed to confined space operations. Vigilance is key because inspectors at Cal/OSHA are stepping up enforcement efforts to ensure all employers have confined space programs, training and reinforcement tools at their workplaces. This is part of a yearlong campaign on confined space hazards.

This is a serious workplace issue as confined spaces can be deceptively dangerous. Common types of confined spaces include tanks, silos, sewers, storage bins, drain tunnels, an vaults. But the list does not end there, confined space issues are also widespread in many industries, and also in non-industrial workplaces such as health care, education, retail and services. It is best to call a Compliance Advisor at 800-817-7678 for comprehensive and personalized assistance.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints can call the Cal/OSHA Workers’ Information Hotline at 1-866-924-9757. Click here to read the Cal/OSHA Hazard Alert.