PITTSBURGH — A Pennsylvania pipe company has been cited by the federal government for workplace safety and health violations stemming from the fatal electrocution of a worker at a Johnstown worksite.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Insight Pipe Contracting LLC for the safety violations and $331,101 in proposed penalties after the death of one employee and the hospitalization of two workers attempting to save him when he was electrocuted while working on a trenchless sewer repair.
According to OSHA, their investigation revealed that Insight Pipe Contracting had failed to implement procedures for confined space entry, failed to train employees on confined space hazards and the need to conduct atmospheric testing before allowing entry to the sewer line. The company also failed to use a retrieval line and complete proper permits, OSHA said.
"Electrocution is one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry," OSHA Pittsburgh Area Office director Christopher Robinson said in a statement. "Complying with OSHA safety and health standards is not optional. Employers are required to take necessary precautions to prevent tragedies such as this."
Insight Pipe Contracting has 15 business days from the receipt of the OSHA citations to comply, contest or request an informal hearing, according to the agency.