COLUMBUS, OH — The number of accidents involving boilers and unfired pressure vessels increased significantly last year, but injuries decreased even more sharply, according to the 2000 National Board Incident Report released by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.

The report indicates that there was a 24% increase in the number of incidents in 2000, with more than 87% of them directly attributable to human error. For the third year in a row, operator error or poor maintenance was the leading cause of boiler accidents.

However, there was an 80% decrease in the number of injuries. For every 99 incidents in 2000, there was one injury — the safest period on record. This compares with one injury for every 16 incidents in 1999, the most dangerous period on record.

In addition, last year saw a 33% decrease in the number of fatalities.

Publication date: 08/20/2001