OSHA cites Alabama cabinet manufacturer after fatal electrocution

A federal workplace safety investigation into a maintenance technician’s fatal electrocution found an Ashland, Alabama,  cabinet manufacturer might have prevented the incident by following required safety standards, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Tuesday.

OSHA investigators determined the 33-year-old employee of Wellborn Cabinet Inc. was exposed to a 277-volt circuit while replacing a light fixture in a paint booth on March 16.

OSHA cited Wellborn Cabinet with eight serious violations for not verifying that circuit elements and equipment parts were de-energized before allowing an employee to install light fixtures, and for failing to use energy isolating devices for hazardous energy.

Agency inspectors also identified violations for the company’s failure to ensure employees wore eye protection when spraying coatings, paints and finishes, and for allowing workers to utilize an A-frame portable ladder to access the top of a paint booth.

OSHA has proposed $115,188 in penalties.