Treat those who seek help equally.
Treat those who seek help equally.
Treat those who seek help equally.
Treat those who seek help equally.
Treat those who seek help equally.

Outfront Media Receives Citations After 11th Inspection in Three Years

Aug. 16, 2018
The company has a history of electric shock incidents.

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.   

Sponsored Recommendations

3 Essential Elements for a Strong Safety Culture

March 13, 2024
Organizations globally have increased their attention on safety culture: trying to figure out what it really is and the aspects that are necessary to develop and sustain it. And...

Making the Case for Occupational Health Software

March 13, 2024
Deciding to invest in Occupational Health (OH) software can be a challenging leap for many organizations. This article will equip businesses with insightful strategies for effectively...

Fighting the Flu: Solutions for the Workplace

March 13, 2024
Seasonal flu continues to wreak considerable havoc both on individual wellness, as well as on our business continuity and productivity. Explore these solutions for protecting ...

Preventing SIFs with Digitization: Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities with Technology

March 13, 2024
This eBook discusses the origins of SIF prevention, outlines principles, models and tools available to EHS leaders to better detect and address SIF potential in their business...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!