Confined Space Safety Training: A Critical Priority in Construction

At Phoenix General Contractors, we know that not all hazards on a construction site are

visible immediately. Some of the most serious risks lurk in tight, enclosed areas—what OSHA defines as confined spaces. Whether it’s a manhole, vault, lift station, or underground utility corridor, confined spaces pose unique dangers that demand rigorous preparation, planning, and training.

In our line of work—particularly in municipal and government infrastructure projects—confined space entries are often unavoidable. But they should never be approached casually. Proper confined space safety training is a lifesaving discipline. It protects workers and enhances operational efficiency, as well as ensuring project compliance with state and federal safety regulations.

What Is a Confined Space?

According to OSHA, a confined space is any area that:

• Is large enough for a worker to enter

• Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit

• Is not designed for continuous occupancy

In construction, confined spaces often include stormwater systems, wastewater lift stations, tanks, crawl spaces, and pipelines. These areas can be deceptively straightforward from the outside, but inside they can be extremely dangerous without the proper equipment due to lack of visibility. It’s important to distinguish between a general confined space and a permit-required confined space. The latter includes spaces that present additional hazards, such as:

• Hazardous atmospheres (e.g., low oxygen, toxic gases)

• Material that could engulf an entrant (e.g., water or sludge)

• Internal configurations that pose entrapment risks

• Other recognized serious safety or health hazards

Why Training Matters

Confined space hazards are often silent and invisible. Workers without specialized training may fail to recognize these dangers, putting themselves and their teams at extreme risk. A lack of awareness can lead to tragic consequences, including suffocation, poisoning, and fatal accidents.

Confined space safety training ensures that:

• Teams can properly identify confined spaces and classify them as permit-required or non-permit spaces.

• Workers understand the protocols for atmospheric monitoring, ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE), and continuous hazard assessment.

• Entry supervisors and attendants know their precise roles and responsibilities, ensuring that no step is skipped before, during, or after an entry.

• Rescue plans are not only developed but practiced, reducing response times and improving outcomes in the event of an emergency.

With every one of our projects that involves confined spaces, we emphasize competency at every level, from the worker entering the space to the supervisor overseeing the operation. Our safety training programs are aligned with OSHA’s 29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA (the confined spaces standard for the construction industry), ensuring that every worker is both trained and confident in executing their role.

The Legal and Operational Stakes

Beyond the human toll, confined space incidents can result in serious financial and legal consequences for construction companies. Violations of OSHA’s confined space regulations can lead to hefty fines, project shutdowns, legal liability, and damage to a contractor’s reputation.

In a highly regulated environment such as government contracting, it is not enough to simply have a safety manual. Clients expect proactive risk management, continuous documentation, and evidence of ongoing training and compliance.

For us, confined space safety training is integrated into every stage of project planning and execution. This not only keeps our crews safe but also keeps projects running smoothly, avoiding delays and costly incidents.

Real-World Impacts: Lessons from the Field

On a recent project at the El Paso Haskell Wastewater Treatment Plant tasked, our crews were tasked with cleaning the inlet channels, stripping them and reapplying their coatings. We reinforced the structural walls and did concrete crack injections to better seal the walls. The project involved multiple confined space entries, each requiring precise planning and flawless execution.

Before work began, our team conducted thorough hazard assessments and other required confined safety measures. All entrants, attendants, and supervisors were briefed and equipped according to strict safety protocols.

Thanks to these measures, we completed the project incident-free and within the scheduled timeline, despite challenging site conditions and the complexity of the work. Feedback from El Paso Water praised our team’s professionalism, preparedness, and commitment to safety, which is a testament to the value of proper training and vigilant oversight.

Building a Culture of Safety

Confined space safety is not a one-time effort; it’s part of a larger culture of safety that

must be cultivated within every construction organization. At Phoenix General Contractors, we view safety as a core value—not a secondary concern. This means regular safety audits, refresher training, and continuous improvement are embedded into our company DNA.

We encourage open communication on job sites, empowering every crew member to speak up about hazards, suggest improvements, and actively participate in maintaining a safe working environment. This culture not only protects lives but also fosters trust and loyalty among our teams and clients alike.

The Broader Industry Perspective

Confined space safety training is gaining increasing attention across the construction industry. With growing infrastructure demands and aging utility systems, the number of confined space entries required on public works projects is rising. This makes it more critical than ever for contractors to invest in comprehensive training programs and stay current with evolving regulations.

Contractors who prioritize confined space safety gain a competitive edge. Clients—especially in government and municipal sectors—are increasingly focused on partnering with contractors who demonstrate proven safety records and proactive risk management.

Final Thoughts on Confined Space Safety

Confined space work is a vital component of modern construction, particularly in water, wastewater, and infrastructure projects. But without robust training and vigilant implementation, it can quickly turn deadly. At Phoenix General Contractors, we make confined space safety training a top priority—because when it comes to safety, there’s no room for shortcuts.

Whether it’s a tight lift station, an underground vault, or a stormwater system, our team approaches every confined space entry with the same unwavering commitment: protect our people, meet the highest safety standards, and deliver exceptional results.