BESSEMER, AL – A U.S. Department of Labor investigation has revealed that a local electrical contractor could have prevented the fatal electrocution of a 44-year-old foreman during storm recovery operations in Coaling, Alabama, had they implemented essential safety measures.

The investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that the foreman was part of a three-person crew employed by Dexter Fortson Associates Inc., tasked with restoring power to natural gas pumps. While attempting to replace a damaged switch, the foreman was electrocuted after coming into contact with energized overhead power lines. The investigation confirmed the switch was live at the time of the incident.

“Electrical work is inherently dangerous, and industry employers must ensure basic safety standards are met to prevent a needless tragedy like this,” said OSHA Area Director Joel Batiz in Birmingham, Alabama. “Now family, friends, and co-workers are left to grieve this terrible loss.”

The OSHA investigation uncovered several safety violations, including:

• The use of expired electrical protective equipment.
• A failure to ensure workers could recognize and address electrical hazards before starting work.
• Inadequate supervision and lack of annual inspections.
• Insufficient job hazard briefings, including necessary work procedures, energy-source controls, and required personal protective equipment.
• Allowing the use of live-line tools on live power lines that should have been removed from service every two years.
• Allowing workers to work within nine inches of an energized cutout switch without ensuring all equipment was properly de-energized as per safety regulations.
• Failing to de-energize equipment before work commenced.

Additionally, OSHA found that the company did not inspect the worksite for potential hazards before employees began working on the overhead power lines, which led to an "other than serious" violation.

As a result, OSHA issued seven serious violations, one other-than-serious violation, and proposed penalties of $84,789.

Founded in 1982, Dexter Fortson Associates Inc. provides power and distribution system design and installation services to the utility, manufacturing, and coal mining industries. The company also specializes in electric substation construction and repair, high-speed motor modifications, and research and development for the information services sector.

The company has 15 business days from the receipt of citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.