Garnett, 33, reportedly attempted to enter the substation by climbing over a concrete wall and fence on the side of the transformer substation, and his foot touched the electrical line, which was still energized, and he was electrocuted.
OSHA issued the company one willful and eight serious safety violations involving electrical safe work practices, and has proposed penalties of $115,000.
Additionally, the federal agency issued Cohen Brothers with three serious safety violations for failing to train employees in electrical safe work practices. They’ve proposed penalties of $21,000 for that violation.
“This was a tragic death that could have been prevented by following basic safety practices for working with high voltage transmission lines,” said Ken Montgomery, OSHA Area Director in Cincinnati. “Employers who work with high voltage electricity must train workers in recognizing hazards and proper procedures to de-energize lines, and ensure the working environment is safe. No workers should lose their life on the job.”
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