OSHA Fines Wisconsin Power Company Nearly $200K for Worker Death

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited North Central Power Co. Inc. of Radisson, Wis., following an investigation into the death of a lineman who was electrocuted while working to repair a 7,200-volt power line on Aug. 8, 2010, near Winter, Wis.

The company has been issued citations for willful and serious safety violations. Proposed fines total $199,800.

Four willful violations have been issued to North Central Power Co. Inc., an electrical power generation, transmission and distribution company, for failing to ensure employees were protected from energized parts by wearing insulated gloves and sleeves, de-energize power lines, test lines and equipment, and install protective grounds on lines and equipment.

The company also has been issued two serious citations for allowing employees to operate chainsaws without leg and foot protection and failing to conduct jobsite safety briefings.

North Central Power operates and maintains approximately 550 miles of power lines in north central Wisconsin. The company is part of a three-way corporate structure along with Northwestern Wisconsin Electrical Co. and Dahlberg Light and Power Co. The three companies employ approximately 105 workers.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and 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.

Source: OSHA