OSHA Inspection: WASHINGTON ISLAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Issued

2024-09-05 00:00:00

Abate by

2024-10-31 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4839.00 · Current $4355.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.333(c)(3):"Overhead lines." if work is to be performed near overhead lines, the lines shall be deenergized and grounded, or other protective measures shall be provided before work is started. If the lines are to be deenergized, arrangements shall be made with the person or organization that operates or controls the electric circuits involved to deenergize and ground them. If protective measures, such as guarding, isolating, or insulating, are provided, these precautions shall prevent employees from contacting such lines directly with any part of their body or indirectly through conductive materials, tools, or equipment. Note: The work practices used by qualified persons installing insulating devices on overhead power transmission or distribution lines are covered by 1910.269 of this Part, not by 1910.332 through 1910.335 of this Part. Under paragraph (c)(2) of this section, unqualified persons are prohibited from performing this type of work.  a. On or about May 25, 2024, at the worksite located at the intersection of Michigan Road and Range Line Road Washington Island, Wisconsin; the employer did not ensure that the overhead distribution line, operating at approximately 7,200 VAC was deenergized and grounded prior to repair work being performed on the overhead line.  b. On or about May 25, 2024, at the worksite located on Green Tree Road Washington Island, Wisconsin; the employer did not ensure that the overhead power line, that operated at approximately 7,200 VAC was adequately grounded prior to work being performed on the overhead lines.  c. On or about May 22, 2024, along various roadways on Washington Island, Wisconsin; the employer did not ensure that the overhead distribution line that had been downed in a storm, that operated at approximately 7,200 VAC were adequately grounded prior to storm cleanup being performed around the overhead lines.  d.  On or about May 22 and May 23, 2024, along roadways by Detroit Harbor on Washington Island, Wisconsin; the employer did not ensure that 3-phase overhead distribution lines, that operated at approximately 7,200 VAC were adequately grounded prior to storm cleanup being performed around the overhead lines.  e. On or about May 22 and May 23, 2024, along and near Homestead Lane on Washington Island, Wisconsin; the employer did not ensure that overhead distribution lines, that operated at approximately 7,200 VAC were adequately grounded prior to storm cleanup being performed around the overhead lines.

Issued

2024-09-05 00:00:00

Abate by

2024-10-31 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4839.00 · Current $4355.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.332(b)(3): Additional requirements for qualified persons. Qualified persons (i.e. those permitted to work on or near exposed energized parts) shall, at a minimum, be trained in and familiar with the following: 1. The skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed live parts from other parts of electric equipment, 2. The skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage of exposed live parts, and 3. The clearance distances specified in � 1910.333(c) and the corresponding voltages to which the qualified person will be exposed.  a. On or about May 25, 2024, at the worksite located at the intersection of Michigan Road and Range Line Road Washington Island, Wisconsin; a subcontractor employee who was working on or near energized overhead distribution lines, did not possess the skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed live parts from other parts of electric equipment.  b. On or about May 25, 2024, at the worksite located on Green Tree Road Washington Island, Wisconsin; a subcontractor employee who was working on or near overhead distribution lines, did not know the clearance distances specified in � 1910.333(c).

Issued

2024-09-05 00:00:00

Abate by

2024-10-31 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3457.00 · Current $3111.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.335(b): Alerting techniques. The following alerting techniques shall be used to warn and protect employees from hazards which could cause injury due to electric shock, burns, or failure of electric equipment parts: 1. Safety signs and tags 2. Barricades 3. Attendants  On or about May 25, 2024, at the intersection of Michigan Road and Range Line Road Washington Island, Wisconsin; alerting techniques were not used to warn subcontractor employees of hazards from electric shock while handling downed overhead lines.