Ski Masonry LLC of Pittsburgh is facing $201,354 in penalties after a worker was fatally electrocuted.
In April, OSHA opened an investigation after a 21-year-old laborer, who was working close to energized power lines, came into contact with the overhead lines and died.
"Ski Masonry knowingly took unacceptable risks when performing masonry work close to overhead powerlines," said Christopher Robinson, OSHA Pittsburgh area office director, in a statement. "Companies must assess their worksites and follow all safety requirements to prevent such tragedies from recurring."
Agency inspectors discovered that workers were knowingly permitted to work within 10 feet of overhead, energized and uninsulated electrical lines. Sky Masonry also failed to provide fall protection and utilized scaffolding without a secure base plate.
In total, OSHA cited the contractor with two willful and five serious citations for violations and added the company to its Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP).
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
