OSHA cites alabama contractor following fatality at worksite

Tom Methvin

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(866) 735-1102 Ext 470

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The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Titan Electric following the investigation of an August 2005 fatal accident in Auburn, Alabama. The worker was killed when he fell 40 feet from a concrete pole while working at Duck Samford Park where he was adjusting electrical lights. OSHA's investigation reportedly determined that safety equipment was available on site, but was not being used. The agency is proposing penalties totaling $52,750. Ken Atha, OSHA's Mobile area director, says:

Falls are a leading cause of worker fatalities in the Southeast, and this tragic accident could have been prevented if the worker had been wearing fall protection equipment.

OSHA issued one willful citation to the company, with a proposed penalty of $49,000, for failing to require an employee to wear fall protection equipment. The agency issues a willful citation when an employer has shown an intentional disregard of, or plain indifference to, the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and requirements. The company also received six serious citations, with proposed penalties totaling $3,750, for hazards including failure to place ladders on stable, level surfaces; failure to ensure that the tops of ladders were supported; provide employees with fall protection training; and failure to properly store acetylene gas cylinders to prevent unexpected flow of highly flammable liquid acetone. Serious citations are issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard. The Dora, Alabama-based company has the right to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.