BESSEMER, AL – A U.S. Department of Labor investigation has found that a local electrical contractor could have prevented the electrocution of a 44-year-old foreman during storm cleanup efforts in Coaling by taking key safety measures to protect his workers.
Investigators with the department Occupational Safety and Health Administration Learned the foreman was part of the three-person team deployed by Dexter Fortson Associates Inc. to restore power to a series of natural gas pumps. While attempting to replace a broken switch, the foreman was fatally electrocuted by voltage in live overhead power lines. OSHA inspectors later learned that the switch was on when the incident occurred.
“Electrical work is inherently dangerous, and employers in the industry must ensure that basic safety standards are met to prevent an unnecessary tragedy like this,” said Joel Batiz, OSHA area manager in Birmingham, Alabama. “Now family, friends and colleagues must mourn this terrible loss.”
OSHA investigators determined that the company was exposing its employees to electrical hazards when investigators found the employer:
- Permitted use of expired electrical protective equipment.
- Neglected to ensure workers can identify and correct electrical hazards before work begins.
- Failure to supervise workers and conduct annual inspections.
- Insufficient information was provided on workplace hazards, associated work procedures, special precautions, controls on energy sources and required personal protective equipment.
- Permissible live line tools for work on live power lines that should be decommissioned every two years.
- Allow workers to use tools within nine inches of a live circuit breaker and attempt to work on a broken circuit breaker without ensuring that all equipment is properly de-energized in accordance with safety regulations.
- It could not be ensured that the equipment is de-energized.
Additionally, OSHA found that the employer failed to inspect the worksite for potential hazards before employees performed repairs and maintenance on overhead power lines, which was not a serious violation.
OSHA cited the employer with seven serious violations, one non-serious violation, and… proposed a penalty of $84,789.
Founded in 1982, Dexter Fortson Associates Inc. serves the utility, manufacturing and coal mining industries with the design and installation of power and distribution systems. Today, the Bessemer company provides major engine and high-speed propulsion system modifications, substation and power line construction and repair, and research, development and manufacturing to the information services industry.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director, or dispute the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
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