A local electrical contractor could have prevented a 44-year-old foreman from being electrocuted during storm recovery efforts at Coaling by taking critical safety measures to protect his workers, a recent U.S. Department of Labor investigation found.
Investigators with the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) learned that the foreman was part of a three-person crew used by Dexter Fortson Associates Inc. To restore distribution power to a series of natural gas pumps. While trying to replace the broken switch, the foreman was fatally electrocuted by voltage in energized overhead power lines. OSHA inspectors later learned that the switch had been activated when the accident occurred.
“Electrical work is inherently dangerous, and employers in the industry must ensure basic safety standards are met to prevent a needless tragedy like this,” said Joel Pattiz, OSHA district director in Birmingham, Ala. “Now family, friends and co-workers are left in distress.” “Sadness. This is a terrible loss.”
OSHA investigators determined that the company exposed employees to electrical hazards, when investigators found that the employer:
Allow the use of expired electrical protective equipment. Ensuring workers are able to recognize and address electrical hazards before starting work has been neglected. Failed to supervise workers and conduct inspections on an annual basis. Did not provide adequate briefings on work hazards, work procedures involved, special precautions, energy source controls, and required personal protective equipment. Live line tools are permitted to work on live power lines that should have been removed from service every two years. Allow workers to use tools within nine inches of an energized disconnect switch and attempt to work on a broken disconnect switch without ensuring that all equipment is properly powered down as required by safety regulations. Failed to ensure equipment is de-energized.
Additionally, OSHA found that the employer failed to inspect the worksite to identify potential hazards before employees performed repairs and maintenance on overhead power lines, which was a serious violation.
OSHA issued the employer seven serious violations, a non-serious violation, and proposed fines of $84,789.
