Worker Dies in Power Line Electrocution, Contractor Fined $52,500
OSHA has issued citations for two serious violations involving exposing workers to electrocution hazards when they are working in close proximity to energized parts without approved insulating safeguards and failing to discontinue the power line work in high winds.
OSHA has cited Kansas City, Mo.-based PAR Electrical Contractors Inc. for three alleged safety violations following the Dec. 22, 2011, death of an employee who was electrocuted while working on a power line near the town of Two Dot, Mont., approximately 100 miles outside of Billings. The citations carry a total of $52,500 in proposed fines.
"We are committed to doing everything in our power to prevent tragic workplace incidents such as this from happening," said Trina Mailloux, acting director of OSHA's Billings Area Office. "Employers must ensure that workers are protected when working near power lines."
OSHA has issued citations for two serious violations involving exposing workers to electrocution hazards when they are working in close proximity to energized parts without approved insulating safeguards and failing to discontinue the power line work when high winds made the situation particularly hazardous.
Additionally, a citation has been issued for one repeat violation involving failing to keep new conductors under positive control in order to prevent accidental contact with energized circuits. In February 2007, OSHA cited PAR Electrical Contractors for essentially the same violation identified at a Missouri job site.