OSHA cites Pittsburgh contractor in fatal electrocution

A Pittsburgh-based masonry contractor is facing $201,354 in proposed penalties for exposing workers to fall and electrical hazards after an employee was fatally electrocuted in April.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued Ski Masonry L.L.C. two willful and five serious citations for violations including knowingly allowing employees to work within 10 feet of overhead, energized and uninsulated electrical lines; failing to provide fall protection; and using scaffolding without a secure base plate, the department said in a statement Monday. 

“Ski Masonry knowingly took unacceptable risks when performing masonry work close to overhead powerlines,” Christopher Robinson, Pittsburgh-based OSHA area office director, said in the statement. “Companies must assess their worksites and follow all safety requirements to prevent such tragedies from recurring.”

"Ski Masonry L.L.C. has been, and plans to, completely cooperate with OSHA officials. We have been greatly improving our safety equipment and procedures in hopes to ensure the safety of our employees," a company spokesman said in a statement.