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McAfee Electric fined $51,000 after worker suffers burns

September 26, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has cited McAfee Electric with one willful and one serious safety violation, carrying proposed penalties of $51,000 US.

An employee of John McAfee, doing business as McAfee Electric, suffered serious burns and required resuscitation by emergency responders following an incident in Dublin, Ga., at Oconee Fall Line Technical College, where McAfee Electric was contracted to install emergency LED lighting. The worker was injured while attempting to connect new wiring with existing wiring that was still powered.

“This incident could have been avoided if the employer had followed established OSHA safety guidelines, including providing workers with protective equipment and ensuring workers were not exposed to live wiring,” said Robert Vazzi, director of OSHA’s Savannah Area Office.

“Employers must ensure that live wiring is de-energized prior to work as failure to do so can lead to death or serious injury.”

OSHA issued a willful citation for allowing employees to work close to live electrical circuits without personal protective equipment (PPE). The serious citation was issued for failing to provide eye protection to workers that were required to use power tools, such as saws, to cut sheetrock.