A Johnston, R.I.-based lawn care company has been cited for seven serious workplace safety violations after the death of an employee in July, and now faces $49,000 in fines.
The worker was fatally shocked on July 30, while trimming a tree because the pruner he was using hit a 7,200-volt power line.
An investigation by The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration showed that AAA Professional Lawn Care, Inc. did not de-energize or ground the power lines before beginning work. The company also failed to provide protective shields, barriers and insulating materials to the employee. The investigation also showed that the employee did not receive proper training and was not wearing gloves.
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