Ohio investigators found safety concerns within a week of a worker’s fatal injury.

Last week, a worker in a bucket truck at the Hawaiian Terrace apartment complex in Mount Airy suffered an injury while working on a power line. He subsequently died from those injuries. He had been working alone.

Emergency crews responded to calls reporting unusual noises and possible electrical issues at the complex. Duke Energy turned off power after firefighters called to report they saw “active wires covering the bucket”.

The victim worked for the Traffic Services Bureau of the Department of Public Services. The city manager’s office shut down any further non-emergency electrical maintenance work until the investigation of the worker’s death is concluded.

“Findings preliminarily are very bad.”

This is what investigators reportedly told the president of Cincinnati’s American Federation of State, County and Municipal Workers (AFSCME) Local 250. The investigators had examined the scene and interviewed some employees of the Bureau.

City Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld wants non-emergency electrical work to remain suspended. Before work resumes, he wants “clear and evident proof that workers have been issued OSHA-approved and recommended personal protective equipment, including work clothing and tools.”

Do you have safety concerns where you work?

Don’t hesitate to call the e-Hazard office with questions you may have on electrical safety.  Our services include electrical safety training, third-party audits, arc flash studies, or your Electrical Safety Program.

We look forward to helping you!