Near-fatal accident sparks safety reform

MOYIE SPRINGS — The recent confined space accident at the Moyie Springs sewer plant has prompted local officials and contractors to reconsider and reinstate construction safety protocols.

At the Feb. 5 Moyie Springs City Council meeting, Mayor Terry Johnson called the Jan. 23 incident “a big eye opener for everybody,” while Councilwoman Deborah Rauth referred to it as “a huge, scary lesson.” Moyie Springs Volunteer Fire Chief Ken English described the successful rescue of Cecil and Denny Wedel as “divine intervention.” 

Response from contractors 

Moyie Springs Public Works Superintendent John Nelson reported at the meeting that many local contractors purchased gas meters the day after the incident.  

Bonners Ferry Builders, whose owners Denny and Cecil Wedel were rescued from a toxic manhole at the sewer plant, is among the contractors reassessing its confined space safety procedures. 

In addition to acquiring a new gas detector, B.F. Builders also purchased blowers for ventilation and casters for transporting equipment in confined spaces. The company will also enroll its employees in a March confined space safety training course, Denny Wedel said. 

“Confined spaces hadn’t really been part of our work before,” Denny said. “We’re not typically in those types of vaults like pipeline contractors.” 

Following the accident, B.F. Builders reached out to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Boise. OSHA officials determined the incident was not reportable, as it did not involve an employee, only the owners. 

“We should have been safer, but it was such a unique situation,” Denny said. 

Cecil Wedel, who suffered a fractured vertebra during the incident and was airlifted to the hospital, has made a good recovery. Denny Wedel said his brother has even returned to the office for occasional work. The airlift was made possible thanks to Idaho Forest Group employees who cleared space for the helicopter landing. 

“Thanks to our EMS, Sheriff's Department, ambulance crews, and IFG,” Denny said. 

Response from Public Works 

In the city’s sewer project, which involves Keller Associates, Inc. and local contractor B.F. Builders, the contractor is responsible for initiating and maintaining all safety precautions, according to the joint contract. However, Moyie Springs purchased a new portable gas detector for additional safety. 

For further equipment, such as a full confined space rescue kit, the city would need to contact the city of Bonners Ferry or Boundary County. Public Works Supervisor Chris Jensen said that purchasing a $15,000 rescue kit is not feasible due to budget constraints. 

“The city would have to find the funds, but with the limited budget, it’s just not possible right now,” Jensen said. “In the two and a half years I’ve been here, we’ve only had to open the sewer manual twice.” 

While Jensen and Nelson won’t be attending a confined space safety course specifically, they are planning to take a more general safety training course.