Naperville, Ill. - OSHA has imposed utility equipment maintenance contractor Midsun Group Inc., Southington, Conn., with serious and willful violations of the federal workplace safety standards at worksites in Naperville, Ill, with a proposed fine of $50,250.
OSHA’s inspection started in July after getting information that the workers were exposed to potential electrocution when painting transmission poles in the Naperville area. The inspection revealed nine alleged serious and two alleged of willful violations of the OSHA standards.
One willful violation addressed potential electrocution based on the energized transmission lines which were not grounded. And the second willful violation addressed to the employees working within the minimum approach distance in a bucket truck which was improperly rated for the work being conducted. A willful violation is explained as one committed with knowing, intentional or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements or with the plain indifference to employee health and safety.
The serious violations included untested or improper personal protective equipment, training deficiencies and also the lack of fall protection. A violation of OSHA is serious if death or any serious physical harm can result from a hazard that an employer knew or should have known exists.
"Over the years, we've worked hard to combat the problem of electrocution among utility line workers," said Kathy Webb, OSHA Area Director in North Aurora, Ill. "We will continue to vigorously enforce OSHA's workplace safety requirements, as they have proven effective in saving lives."
Under the OSHA Act of 1970, the role of OSHA is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for the men and women of America by setting and enforcing standards.
OSHA’s inspection started in July after getting information that the workers were exposed to potential electrocution when painting transmission poles in the Naperville area. The inspection revealed nine alleged serious and two alleged of willful violations of the OSHA standards.
One willful violation addressed potential electrocution based on the energized transmission lines which were not grounded. And the second willful violation addressed to the employees working within the minimum approach distance in a bucket truck which was improperly rated for the work being conducted. A willful violation is explained as one committed with knowing, intentional or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements or with the plain indifference to employee health and safety.
The serious violations included untested or improper personal protective equipment, training deficiencies and also the lack of fall protection. A violation of OSHA is serious if death or any serious physical harm can result from a hazard that an employer knew or should have known exists.
"Over the years, we've worked hard to combat the problem of electrocution among utility line workers," said Kathy Webb, OSHA Area Director in North Aurora, Ill. "We will continue to vigorously enforce OSHA's workplace safety requirements, as they have proven effective in saving lives."
Under the OSHA Act of 1970, the role of OSHA is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for the men and women of America by setting and enforcing standards.
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