ConDig (25-Oct-17).  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has slapped a $201,354 fine on masonry contractor Ski Masonry LLC for fall and electrical violations on a construction site in Pittsburgh.

OSHA launched the probe into the Pittsburgh-based company after a 21-year-old laborer doing restoration work on a construction site was fatally electrocuted in April.

The residential and commercial masonry contractor received two willful and five serious citations for violations, including knowingly allowing employees to work within 10 feet of overhead, energized and uninsulated electrical lines. It also failed to provide fall protection and using scaffolding without a secure base plate.

“Ski Masonry knowingly took unacceptable risks when performing masonry work close to overhead powerlines,” said OSHA area office director Christopher Robinson.

“Companies must assess their worksites and follow all safety requirements to prevent such tragedies from recurring.”

The company, which has been added to OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP), has 15 business days to comply with the citation, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings.

Earlier this month, OSHA fined the owner of New Jersey-based contractor DH Construction LLC for scaffold violations on a construction site in Philadelphia.