Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002B Hazard:

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees are exposed to electrocution hazards: a. On or about May 22, 23 and 25, 2024 along various roadways on Washington Island, Wisconsin, the employer did not arrange with the electric utility that operates the system, or use other authorized means, to both de-energize and ground overhead lines operated at approximately 7,200 VAC that had been downed during a storm before non-qualified employees handled them or performed storm cleanup work nearby. b. On or about May 22, 23 and 25, 2024, along various roadways on Washington Island, Wisconsin, the employer did not ensure that non-qualified employees used appropriate electrical protective equipment when overhead lines operated at approximately 7,200 VAC that were downed in a storm were not both de-energized and grounded, which exposed employees to potential electrical hazards. Abatement: Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable means of abatement to correct this hazard includes, but is not limited to, requiring the employer to confirm with the electric utility company that operates the system, or by other authorized means ensure, that downed overhead lines are de-energized and grounded and noting the de-energized/grounded status of the lines on the pre-task checklist prior to performing storm clean-up work. If the employer fails to confirm downed lines are deenergized and grounded, the employer may decline to proceed with the work or provide employees with electrical protective equipment appropriate for the specific parts of the body to be protected and for the work to be performed.