Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001A Hazard:

29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2): The employer did not instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his/her environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury: (a) Brand X Hydrovac Services, Inc. at Stapleton S Dr and Airlawn Rd, Denver, CO: On and around August 29, 2019, the employer did not ensure that employees were instructed in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions, while operating and working around vacuum trucks in proximity to powerlines. Employees were not instructed in the recognition of different types of powerlines and their associated voltages. Employees were not instructed in work rules, prohibiting employees from contact with the vacuum truck, while the truck boom was being operated in proximity to a powerline. These conditions exposed employees to shock and electrocution hazards and resulted the fatality of a Swamper by electrocution, when a Swamper was holding the high pressure water sprayer attached by hydraulic hose to the vacuum truck and the truck boom made contact with an energized powerline, while the boom was being positioned by the Operator with a remote control. (b) Brand X Hydrovac Services, Inc. at Stapleton S Dr and Airlawn Rd, Denver, CO: On and around August 29, 2019, the employer did not ensure that employees were instructed in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions, while operating and working around vacuum trucks in proximity to powerlines. Employees were not effectively instructed in varying safe working distances for associated powerline voltages.This condition potentially exposed employees to shock and electrocution hazards.