May 21, 2015 – A 31-year-old assembly technician was working with a battery charger manufacturer for about a month when he was fatally electrocuted in November 2014 while testing transformers.

U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigators found that the man’s death might have been prevented if his employer, Bridgeton-based Ferro Magnetics Corp., had supplied adequate personal protective equipment, followed safety procedures and provided training.

“Companies that operate with high-voltage electricity must train workers to recognize hazards and use proper procedures to prevent electrical shock,” said Bill McDonald, OSHA’s area director in St. Louis.

Ferro Magnetics has been cited for one willful and 14 serious safety violations. In its inspection, OSHA found multiple electrical safety hazards: machines with moving parts without safety guards, and inadequate protections to stop machine starts during service and maintenance. Inspectors also found hand, eye and face protection was not supplied. Additionally, hazardous chemicals were stored improperly and employees were allowed to use damaged powered industrial trucks.

The company faces penalties of $106,400.