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Public Utility Company Cited After Workplace Fatality
Mt. Carmel Public Utility Company in Mt. Carmel, IL, has been fined $66,500
by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for violations
of workplace
safety standards following an investigation into the workplace accident in
which one worker died and another received serious injuries.
OSHA issued serious and willful citations to the electricity and natural
gas distributor for allowing a number of unsafe practices including an alleged
willful violation for permitting employees to work on distribution lines without
the
required electrical grounding. Seven alleged violations categorized as serious
included the company’s failure to assess the workplace for job safety
hazards, lack of protective equipment and clothing, failure to train or brief
employees
on each job, and failing to have employees follow appropriate energy control
procedures during the repair of power lines.
“Working with and around utility power lines is understood to be a hazardous
undertaking,” said Brian Bothast, OSHA’s acting area director in
Peoria. “Employers must take specific steps to control electrical energy
prior to working near power lines to meet safety and health standards.”
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