Missouri HVAC company cited over worker’s death

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited a Missouri heating, ventilation and air conditioning company for three serious and two repeat violations after an apprentice technician was electrocuted at a job site last summer.

OSHA proposed $197,642 in penalties against Kansas City-based U.S. Engineering Service, a subsidiary of U.S. Engineering Company Holdings, following the electrocution of the fourth-year apprentice on Aug. 24, 2022.

The worker died after coming into contact with energized parts while repairing HVAC equipment at University Academy, a college preparatory charter school in Kansas City.

OSHA inspectors said the company failed to de-energize equipment and prevent it from unintentionally starting during repair or maintenance work. The agency also said the company failed to identify the personal protective equipment needs of employees at contracted sites.

OSHA also said the company allowed a damaged extension cord to be used at the worksite.

The company paid fines in a separate case after OSHA cited it for similar violations following a July 2021 fatality.

The company has 15 days to contest the latest citations and proposed penalties.