During the kiln shutdown, a supervisor led a group of contractors and a junior member of his staff into a confined space (cyclone) without a confined space permit-to-work, without a gas monitor and without an outside person in attendance.
An investigation concluded that a willful disregard of safety procedure had potentially exposed the individuals to the various severe hazards that can be present in a cyclone during a kiln shutdown.
Corrective Action:
Accountability / Disciplinary Action: The supervisor has been dismissed for gross misconduct.
Preventive Action:
Visible Felt Leadership: The incident highlights the need to significantly increase the quantity and the effectiveness of workplace Safety Conversations and safety checks to ensure high standards of safety are maintained.
Getting out of the office and engaging with people in the workplace is the most effective way a Manager or Director can ensure that the Company they would like to think exists, is the same as the Company that really exists.