OSHA Cites Fisherville Contractor For Electrical Hazards After Tent Accident Injures Workers

NORFOLK, Va. -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Tents and Events, Fisherville, Va. for alleged safety and health violations, proposing a total of $5,600 in penalties after an electrical accident injured two workers.

The company, contracted to set up tents at the 2005 Boy Scouts Jamboree at Fort AP Hill in Bowling Green, Va., was issued two serious violations, each with a penalty of $2,800.

OSHA initiated its investigation on Jul. 25 in response to the accident and found that the workers were injured while they were erecting a tent and one of the poles came in contact with an overhead electrical line.

The violations address the company's failure to adequately train employees in electrical safety work places and for allowing employees to work within 10 feet of an energized power line. A serious violation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious injury could occur from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.