US Department of Labor cites Alabama electrical contractor after 22-year-old worker suffers severe burns at Auburn worksite

Summary:

A 22-year-old electrician suffered life-threatening arc flash burns at a Camp Hill, Alabama job site due to a lack of proper safety procedures. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that the employer, Smith's Electrical Service & Repair LLC, had a willful violation for allowing an employee to work on energized electrical cabinets without de-energizing them. OSHA also cited the employer with three serious violations for failing to train workers in recognizing hazards, permitting employees to work on live electrical cabinets without proper training, and allowing workers to conduct tasks without proper protective equipment. The proposed penalties total $93,566. OSHA emphasizes the importance of proper lockout/tagout practices and procedures to safeguard workers from hazardous energy releases.