Another fatal electrocution accident-OSHA cites Thedford Construction Co. Inc.

We recently put up a post addressing if electrical standards are being met. We asked if those accidents mentioned were just coincidences or if there was a significant lack of training regarding electricity hazards. Less than a week after our posting, OSHA has cited Tyler, Texas-based Thedford Construction Co. Inc. with two alleged willful and 10 alleged serious violations following the electrocution death of a Hispanic worker at the company's work site in Tyler.

"All workers, regardless of whether or not they speak English, deserve a safe workplace. Had this company implemented the requirements contained in their own safety and health program this tragedy could have been avoided," said Stephen Boyd, OSHA's area director in Dallas. "Ultimately Thedford Construction failed to ensure that its workers were protected from approaching and contacting energized, high voltage electrical equipment."

OSHA began its inspection on February, 18 on Hidden Lake Drive in Tyler, where eight employees were upgrading underground energized power lines and pad-mounted transformers. While digging in front of a pad-mounted transformer, the employer damaged an underground power line. One of the Hispanic workers, who was unaware and uninformed that the power line was energized, began repairing the line and was electrocuted. Additionally, the investigation revealed the worker was wearing a glove with a hole in the index finger that had not been tested for insulation qualities.

The company was cited with willful and serious violations. Serious violations included failing to train workers on the dangers of electrical hazards, provide prompt medical treatment in the event of serious injuries, provide a person with a valid certificate to perform first-aid treatment, provide personal protective equipment and for failing to determine the exact location of underground installations by a safe and acceptable means.

Thedford Construction, with proposed penalties totaling $133,000, has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director in Dallas, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Now we must ask ourselves once again: is there a lack of significant training regarding electrocution hazards or is this just another accident or perhaps just a lack of communication involving language barriers?

Sources:
www.osha.gov