Since 2015, Cal/OSHA has investigated New York-based Outfront Media 11 times.
The most recent inspection resulted in serious safety violations after a worker for the outdoor advertising company suffered third-degree burns.
“Employers must identify and evaluate all hazards in the workplace,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum, in a statement. “When energized overhead lines are present, the employer must ensure that employees maintain required clearances, or minimum safe distances from the overhead lines, to protect employees from electrical shock or electrocution.”
On February 6, two Outfront Media sign installers were conducting work 25 ft. above ground. The employees were using 11-ft. metal poles to place the 14-by-48-ft. sign. One of these poles touched an energized high-voltage power line located near the edge of the billboard, which resulted in serious burns to 25% of the sign-hanger’s body.
Cal/OSHA issued three citations to Outfront Media totaling $32,435 in proposed penalties.
A serious accident-related citation was issued for the employer’s violation of provisions for preventing accidents due to proximity to overhead lines, which requires a minimum clearance of 6 ft. be maintained for work done near 34.5 kV lines.
A serious citation was issued for failure to identify and evaluate hazards related to installing signs on billboards in proximity to power lines. Cal/OSHA also issued a general citation to Outfront Media for an inadequate heat illness prevention plan for its outdoor workers.
In the past three years, company workers were involved in six accidents, including an electric shock incident last year when a worker’s ladder came into contact with overhead power lines during preparations to hang a sign.