Worker Suffers Burns from Electrical Shock, Manufacturer Fined $91,000
"Allowing workers to come in contact with exposed and energized parts without appropriate personal protective equipment demonstrates a lack of concern for their safety," said George Yoksas, OSHA's area director in Milwaukee.
OSHA has cited Yaskawa America Inc. with six safety violations—including one willful—after a worker suffered burns from an electrical shock on Sept. 15 at the company's Oak Creek, Wis., manufacturing facility. Proposed penalties total $91,000. The Waukegan, Ill.-based company produces drives and motion control components for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
"Allowing workers to come in contact with exposed and energized parts without appropriate personal protective equipment demonstrates a lack of concern for their safety," said George Yoksas, OSHA's area director in Milwaukee. "Employers are responsible for knowing the hazards that exist in their workplaces and taking proper safety precautions. OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job, especially when employers fail to do so."
The worker suffered second- and third-degree burns on his hand after receiving an electrical shock from exposed parts that had the potential to be energized to 480 volts. The willful violation is allowing the worker to come in contact with exposed energized parts on testing equipment.
Additionally, three serious safety violations include using unapproved electrical equipment, failing to provide personal protective equipment to employees working on energized parts, and failing to implement electrical safe work practices, such as utilizing insulated tools while working on energized electrical equipment.
Two other-than-serious violations include not having strain relief on testing equipment and not completing OSHA 300 injury and illness logs as required.