In the construction and drilling industries, where workers often operate in high-risk environments, few hazards are as deadly—or as overlooked—as confined spaces.

On September 24th, 2025, safety professionals from across the country tuned in for “Confined Space – A Focus on Rescue,” an important OSHA-hosted webinar dedicated to one of the most critical (yet underprepared) aspects of job site safety: rescue operations.

The event featured safety expert Bill Foster, a 40-year industry veteran known for turning complex safety standards into practical, real-world advice. As President of Impact Safety and Course Director at Georgia Tech’s OSHA Training Institute Education Center, Foster didn’t just talk about compliance—he focused on what really works in the field when seconds count.

His message was clear: Every confined space entry needs a solid rescue plan. Too often, teams focus on getting in safely but are unprepared when something goes wrong. That’s where lives are lost—not from the initial hazard, but from a slow or uncoordinated response.

In construction and drilling, confined spaces aren't rare—they're routine. Crawl spaces, tanks, shafts, and tunnels are part of the job. But the regulations that govern how to safely enter and exit those spaces vary, and the differences between construction and general industry standards can be confusing. This webinar broke it down in plain terms, helping supervisors and safety leads know exactly what rules apply to their teams.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar

Foster walked participants through:

• The fundamentals of confined space rescue, including essential equipment and team roles

• How to communicate effectively when time is tight and stress levels are high

• The key regulatory differences between construction and general industry confined space rules

One of the most powerful parts of the webinar came during the real-life incident reviews. Foster shared two actual confined space emergencies—one with a successful rescue, one with a tragic outcome. He broke down what happened, what should have happened, and what we can all learn to prevent similar incidents. These weren’t just stories—they were wake-up calls.

Why This Matters Now

Confined space accidents remain among the most dangerous and fatal incidents in the construction and drilling sectors. And while plenty of attention is given to how to work safely in those environments, rescue is often an afterthought. This webinar served as a reminder that rescue plans can’t be improvised—they need to be built, trained for, and drilled just like any other part of the job.

As industries push forward with bigger builds, deeper digs, and faster timelines, safety must evolve, too. And that means putting just as much effort into emergency readiness as we do into project planning. Events like this OSHA webinar help safety leaders stay sharp, stay informed, and most importantly—stay ready.