The failure to follow lockout/tagout procedures was directly connected to the death of a worker in Sumas, Washington, when an agitator arm inside a tank he was cleaning turned on, according to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
An inspection by L&I is holding the company responsible and the agency is assessing the company a fine of $98,000.
IKO Pacific failed to control the power supply to dangerous equipment and failed to properly supervise work in confined spaces, according to L&I. The company has been cited for 17 serious violations and one general violation following the investigation into the July 17, 2021 fatality, the agency reported.
Energy control incidents occur when machinery unexpectedly or accidentally powers 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, according to L&I.
IKO Pacific was cited for the remaining 10 serious violations because they did not ensure those steps were followed, the agency said.
The business has appealed the citation and fines.
