Big OSHA Fine Issued in Electrocution Case
The agency has placed the contractor in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program. "Electrocution is one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry," said OSHA Pittsburgh Area Office Director Christopher Robinson. "Complying with OSHA safety and health standards is not optional. Employers are required to take necessary precautions to prevent tragedies such as this."
OSHA has cited Insight Pipe Contracting LLC for workplace safety and health violations following an employee's electrocution at a work site in Johnstown, Pa., and has issued $331,101 in proposed penalties to the Harmony, Pa.-based contractor.
OSHA opened a safety investigation after an employee suffered a fatal electrocution. Two employees who attempted to assist him were hospitalized after receiving electrical shocks. The employees were making a trenchless sewer repair when the incident occurred. OSHA conducted a subsequent health investigation upon referral from the OSHA safety compliance officer who investigated the fatality and cited the company for failing to develop and implement procedures for confined space entry; train employees on confined space hazards; conduct atmospheric testing before permitting entry into a sewer line; use a retrieval line; and complete proper permits.
The agency has placed the company in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program.
"Electrocution is one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry," said OSHA Pittsburgh Area Office Director Christopher Robinson. "Complying with OSHA safety and health standards is not optional. Employers are required to take necessary precautions to prevent tragedies such as this."