Verizon fined in connection with lineworker death in Plymouth ($13,500 )

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x2103872234

By Tamara Race
The Patriot Ledger
Posted Apr 17, 2008 @ 03:16 AM
Last update Apr 17, 2008 @ 10:24 AM
PLYMOUTH —

Federal safety officials have fined Verizon in connection with the death of a line worker on South Meadow Road in October.

On April 9, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined Verizon $13,500 for three “serious” violations after a five-month investigation into the death of line worker Gary Gibbons.

Gibbons, 52, was electrocuted when his bucket touched a power line.

The accident rocked the neighborhood with several explosions and set a few nearby trees on fire.

OSHA fined Verizon $7,000 for operating a bucket truck too close to overhead power lines, $5,000 for failing to put out warning signs or flags in the work area, and $1,500 for failure to properly inspect equipment and tools prior to use.

Union officials say the fines were not enough.

“It’s not commensurate with what happened,” said Rand Wilson, communications coordinator for the AFL-CIO. “These were called ‘serious’ violations, but $13,500? Give us a break. That’s no incentive for Verizon to change its ways.”

FULL story at link.