Constructor Fined $50,000 after Excavator Contacts Energized Power Line

A partnership operating as constructor was building a new highway. A subcontractor on the project was performing site preparation work with heavy equipment. As an excavator operator employed by the subcontractor drove the excavator along an access road, the excavator’s boom made contact with energized overhead power lines. No one was injured but the contact resulted in a local power outage. An MOL investigation found that no signs warning workers about the potential hazard of energized overhead power lines were posted at this part of the project. The constructor pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that such signs were posted and was fined $50,000 [407 East Construction General Partnership, Govt. News Release, June 9, 2015].