Question:

Going back to the Inspection and Citations you chose in Module 3 - review the Hierarchy of Controls, and summarize the different types of abatement techniques that would fit into each category.

• Engineering Controls
• Administrative Controls including work practices
• Personal Protective Equipment

Inspection and Citation Summary:

Centerpoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC

This inspection was not planned, as indicated by the Establishment search results table. This type of inspection is conducted in accordance with OSHA's priority criteria, which prioritizes inspections based on the type of hazards present and the likelihood of worker exposure to those hazards.This incident presented severe injury and illnesses, and all work-related fatalities must be reported within 8 hours.

Did OSHA provide advanced notice of the inspection?

No, OSHA did not give Centerpoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC prior notice of the inspection in Inspection Nr: 1603623.015 Report ID: 0626600 Open Date: 06/22/2022. The advanced notification was stamped with an "N," suggesting that the inspection was not announced, according to the information offered. Unannounced inspections are frequently employed to ensure that businesses follow safety and health regulations (OSHA Fact Sheet, n.d.). They are also designed to safeguard workers from dangerous situations. Additionally, they operate as a strong deterrent to prevent companies from doing actions that can endanger workers. These kinds of inspections add an element of surprise, which makes it harder for companies to cover up breaches or take actions that could endanger their employees.

Which types of violations were cited?

The inspection found one type of violation onCenterpoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC Inspection Nr: 1603623.015 Report ID: 0626600 Open Date: 06/22/2022: Serious. According to the information provided, the inspection revealed one initial and one current violation. Both initial and current violations were categorized as Serious. The serious violation had a degree of Fatality due to Electrocution from Energized Cable. The summarized inspection indicated that an employee was inside the basket of a bucket truck preparing to lift the cable. The employee collapsed after contact with an energized cable and died three minutes after arriving at the hospital.

What were the proposed penalties for this inspection?

The proposed penalty for this inspection was $13,052 for theserious violation. The proposed penalty was issued for the employer's failure to secure the environment for potential hazards like the energized cables prior to the conduct of the activity. Additionally, there was a petition to modify abatement last 10/11/2022. This indicates that the employer has made a good faith effort to comply with the abatement requirements of a citation. However, such abatement has not been completed because of factors beyond the employer's reasonable control.

Were any of the violations downgraded?

The violation was not downgraded. According to the information provided, the initial violation byCenterpoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC wasclassified as "Serious" and was not downgraded.

Were any of the penalties decreased?

Yes, the penalty was decreased onCenterpoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC. According to the information provided, the initial penalty for the serious violation was decreased from $13,052 to $6,526 through an informal settlement and petition to modify abatement.

Explanation:

References

OSHA Fact Sheet. (n.d.).Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Inspections. Osha.gov.https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/factsheet-inspections.pdf

Hierarchy of Controls Elimination/Substitution Most Effective Requires a physical change to the workplace Engineering Requires worker Controls or employer to do something Administrative Controls including Work Practices Requires Personal Protective Equipment worker to wear something Least Effective