The incident occurred as O’Connell employees were performing maintenance on 34,500-volt electrical switches and transformers in the basement of Baldy Hall. OSHA’s inspection found that one of the switches had not been de-energized as required before employees began their work, nor had the switches been properly barricaded and tagged to prevent exposure to live electrical parts.
OSHA also determined that the injured worker and other employees had not been adequately informed about and supplied with appropriate personal protective clothing. In addition, they had not been adequately trained in electrical safe work practices and in proper hazardous energy control procedures.
“This is a clear example of the grave consequences that can result when basic electrical safeguards are not provided and used,” said Arthur Dube, OSHA’s area director in Buffalo. “Electricity can injure and kill almost instantly, which makes it vital that power sources be de-energized and locked out, and workers be properly trained and equipped before electrical work is performed.”
OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known.
“One means of preventing hazardous conditions and the accidents that can result from them is to establish an effective safety and health management system through which employers and employees work together to proactively evaluate, identify and eliminate hazards,” said Robert Kulick, OSHA’s regional administrator in New York.
O’Connell Electric has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, participate in an informal conference with Dubw or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.