OSHA Inspection: APPLE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, INC

Issued

Dec 15, 2009

Abate by

Jan 19, 2010

Penalty

Initial $875 · Current $613 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.333(a):  Safetyrelated work practices were not employed to
prevent electrical
shock or other injuries resulting from either direct or indirect
electrical contacts, when work
was performed near or on equipment or circuits which were or could be
energized:
On or about August 21, 2009 at the work site located at the Odessa College
Campus site,
northeast corner of the WiFi Pavilion Structure,  Odessa, Texas,  a
utility pole was being
supported by a cable attached to the rear towing hitch of an  Apple
Electric vehicle.  This
vehicle hitch  was not designed for this purpose.  The earth around the
pole was estimated to
be Class C, pre-disturbed.  The electric overhead wires were estimated to
be approximately
10 feet above the employees heads, while the employees worked underneath
preparing the
earth for the burying of the overhead electrical service.
A method of abatement may include, but is not limited to the following:
De-energize the 12,500 volt overhead lines and re-secure the pole to a 90
degree angle to the
ground.