OSHA Fines proposed in electrocution

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20101201/NEWS01/101209955#fines-proposed-in-electrocution

Published Wednesday December 1, 2010 AP

BURWELL, Neb. — Federal regulators have proposed fining a Nebraska biofuel company $60,000 for safety violations connected to the electrocution of a subcontracted worker at the company's Burwell operation.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Wednesday that Next Step Burwell committed five serious citations and one willful citation. OSHA said Next Step exposed workers to electrical hazards and failed to provide adequate training.

OSHA said two Next Step employees workers were shocked when they cleaned out a cable tray and a subcontracted employee was fatally injured when he checked the same tray.

A company representative did not immediately respond to a phone message or e-mail.

OSHA said Next Step has 15 days to contest the citations.