General Contractor Avoids OSHA Violations for Electrocution Fatality on Project

Joseph F. Spitzzeri and Katie E. Gorrie of Johnson & Bell, Ltd.’s Construction Practice Group successfully represented a general contractor in an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigation into an electrocution fatality on its project.  The foreman for the electrical subcontractor was electrocuted when he came into contact with live voltage in the switchgear compartment.   No one knew what the foreman was doing, why he was there, and/or why he didn’t utilize the personal protective equipment (PPE) available to him on site.  OSHA determined that the general contractor was not at fault for this electrocution fatality and therefore did not issue a citation.  The employer, however, was issued a citation.