City workers learn protocols for confined spaces
BROKEN BOW - Broken Bow City employees are now able to work more safely, thanks to training on protocols for being in confined spaces. Eighteen city employees attended OSHA-led training on “Confined Spaces in Construction” Nov. 8.
Broken Bow City Administrator Dan Knoell said the training to is help prevent tragedies like what happened in McCook in September from happening in Broken Bow. “Two water/wastewater employees died after they entered a confined space with toxic gases,” he said.
When a fellow employee is in distress, the first instinct is to rush in to help. Training helps counter that, teaching instead to evaluate the situation and get help. “Stop. Wait. Call for help,” Knoell said. “This will prevent one death from becoming two.”
Employees learned about working in pump houses, trenches, manholes and other confined spaces. Proper oxygen levels were also discussed. The training was done virtually, with the instructor in Denver, Colo., while participants watched via a large screen in the Municipal Building Auditorium. The interactive session included only Broken Bow which allowed participants to ask questions and discuss situations unique to the city.
At the end of the session, employees were to take a test. After passing the test, Knoell said they would be confined space certified and better prepared to deal with emergencies.
“They will be more relaxed and understand the procedures,” he said. “We do this so at the end of the day, our guys go home safe. This is good training.”
Representatives from the Police Department and Emergency services attended as well as all employees from the water and sewer department, electrical department and street department, except for one who was at the state volleyball tournament.