On August 16, 2012, Lawrence Davis was completing his first day of work at the Bacardi plant in Jacksonville, Florida. At only 21 years old, he hoped it would be the beginning of a long career within the company. As he was conducting maintenance work under a pallet rack, an employee activated the machine unintentionally. Lawrence was crushed to death.
He didn’t receive any training
Bacardi had not trained his temporary employees on hazards or lockout techniques to avoid unplanned activations. This oversight is illegal as all companies have the responsibility to eliminate or control health and safety risks for their employees. This principle is applicable in the United States and Canada.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an American government agency, had no choice but to find Bacardi guilty of 12 charges and order it to pay a fine of US$192,000.
Preventable deaths
Each day in North America, workers die in similar conditions. Mothers, fathers, daughters and sons lose their lives as they were doing the best they could to contribute to society. What is all the more tragic is that these accidents could have been easily prevented, as stated by the American government.
You want to do your part in reducing the risks? A rigorous training of all employees is the most efficient solution. Your recruits, as well as your experiences workers, must know the safe behaviour to adopt. Whether you need lockout measures, or your employees are working at heights, in confined spaces or facing dangerous situations, ask SPI to arrange training for you in a timely manner.
