Missouri Machine Shop Cited After Welder Dies from Electrocution
OSHA issued the company 12 citations for safety failures.
OSHA announced it has determined the electrocution death of a welder could have been prevented if the employer had de-energized conductors and followed safe practices. OSHA cited Missouri-based Homeyer Precision Manufacturing for 11 serious and one other-than-serious safety violations. An investigation determined the welder was disassembling a live, 480-volt flexible cord when he received the shock.
"Employees working with electricity must be trained on shock, arc flash, and electrocution hazards and how to protect themselves. This training must include locking out the electrical source and use of proper protective tools and personal equipment provided by the employer," Bill McDonald, OSHA's area director in St. Louis. "Homeyer has a responsibility to take all steps possible to prevent tragic injuries and deaths in the workplace."
Some of the violations include the failure to train employees on electrical safe work, isolate energy to machines, provide PPE, train employees in lockout/tagout, and install adequate machine guarding.
The company faces $59,000 in fines.