Construction firms cited after workers suffer electrical burns

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has proposed penalties for three Washington construction companies after a crane boom made contact with high-voltage power lines at a construction site in Seattle, injuring two workers.

Seattle-based Marpac Construction L.L.C., Kirkland, Washington-based Spartan Concrete Inc., and Everett, Washington-based Shaffer Crane & Equipment Inc. face safety violations after two workers suffered severe electrical burns during the incident when 14 kilovolts traveled down the crane's hoist line to the men working below the power lines, Labor & Industries said in a Monday statement. The department is the monopoly workers compensation insurer for Washington state.

Marpac Construction has been cited for six workplace safety violations, including three “willful,” and fined $133,500. Spartan Concrete faces five violations, including two “willful,” and $90,000 in fines. Shaffer Crane was cited for three serious and one general violations with a total fine of $5,700, according to Labor & Industries.

An investigation began last September after the two workers injured in the accident were taken to a local hospital, Labor & Industries said.

Marpac Construction, Spartan Concrete, and Shaffer Crane & Equipment could not be immediately reached for comment.