NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.
OSHA News Release
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Region 1
Please note: As of January 20, 2021, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies.
Region 1 News Release: 06-2027-BOS/BOS 2006-342
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald
Phone: (617) 565-2074
BRAINTREE, Mass. -- Revoli Construction Company Inc. of North Reading, Mass., faces $49,000 in proposed fines from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following an OSHA inspection prompted by an accident at a Kingston, Mass., worksite.
On Aug. 21, an excavator operated by Revoli Construction struck an overhead energized power line with its boom while it was attempting to lift its bucket. The electrical current passed through the boom and down to the ground where it traveled outward and shocked a nearby police officer.
OSHA's inspection found that the excavator was operated too close to the power line. OSHA standards require that machinery be located and operated a minimum distance of 10 feet from an energized power line unless the line has first been deenergized or otherwise shielded from contact. Failure to do so places employees at risk from electrocution.
"Neither safeguard was utilized even though this employer knows what steps must be taken to protect workers against electrocution," said Brenda Gordon, OSHA's area director for southeastern Massachusetts. "While it's fortunate that no one was killed and no one else injured, this accident should never have occurred in the first place."
As a result, OSHA cited Revoli Construction for one alleged willful violation of safety standards and has proposed a fine of $49,000 for that citation. OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with an intentional disregard of, or plain indifference to, the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to request and participate in an informal conference with the OSHA area director or to contest the citations before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA's Braintree area office, telephone, (617) 565-6924.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. DOL is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald
Phone: (617) 565-2074
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA Fines North Reading, Mass., Contractor Following Electrical Accident at Kingston Jobsite
BRAINTREE, Mass. -- Revoli Construction Company Inc. of North Reading, Mass., faces $49,000 in proposed fines from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following an OSHA inspection prompted by an accident at a Kingston, Mass., worksite.
On Aug. 21, an excavator operated by Revoli Construction struck an overhead energized power line with its boom while it was attempting to lift its bucket. The electrical current passed through the boom and down to the ground where it traveled outward and shocked a nearby police officer.
OSHA's inspection found that the excavator was operated too close to the power line. OSHA standards require that machinery be located and operated a minimum distance of 10 feet from an energized power line unless the line has first been deenergized or otherwise shielded from contact. Failure to do so places employees at risk from electrocution.
"Neither safeguard was utilized even though this employer knows what steps must be taken to protect workers against electrocution," said Brenda Gordon, OSHA's area director for southeastern Massachusetts. "While it's fortunate that no one was killed and no one else injured, this accident should never have occurred in the first place."
As a result, OSHA cited Revoli Construction for one alleged willful violation of safety standards and has proposed a fine of $49,000 for that citation. OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with an intentional disregard of, or plain indifference to, the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to request and participate in an informal conference with the OSHA area director or to contest the citations before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA's Braintree area office, telephone, (617) 565-6924.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
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U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. DOL is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.