Fatal Electrocution Results in $208,670 Fine for Florida Contractor
OSHA opened an inspection in May following the death of a worker who was electrocuted while unloading steel from a tractor trailer for a roadway rehabilitation project.
OSHA has cited Callaway Contracting Inc. of Jacksonville, Fla., for 13 safety violations. OSHA opened an inspection in May following the death of a worker who was electrocuted while unloading steel from a tractor trailer for a roadway rehabilitation project. The inspection also was expanded to include the company's main office. Proposed penalties total $208,670.
"This fatality could have been prevented. Management knew about the hazards associated with unloading the truck near power lines, but rushed to get the truck unloaded and failed to take the proper precautions," said Brian Sturtecky, OSHA's area director in Jacksonville.
Callaway, an underground utility contractor, was cited for one willful violation related to the fatality for failing to prevent the load line from contacting the energized overhead power lines. Three other willful violations involve failing to have a qualified person inspect the crane annually and exposing workers to being caught in a rotating superstructure, as well as struck-by hazards.
Eight serious violations involve failing to train employees on procedures to be followed in the event the crane makes contact with power lines, failing to conduct daily inspections of the crane prior to its use, ensuring that the crane's operating manual is readily available inside the cab, adequately training the crane operator, training and designating a signal person, and bolting the drill press to the floor. The employer was also cited for exposing employees to flying chips of metal, electrical shocks, and being drawn into the point-of-operation of equipment.
One other-than-serious violation was cited, with no monetary penalty, for exposed electrical wires.