OSHA Slams N.C. Firm With Fines After Two Killed At Adger Job Site Last Year

ADGER, AL — A North Carolina contractor was slapped with more than $43,000 in federal fines this week, following the fatal electrocutions of two 19-year-old apprentices at an Adger job site on Aug. 31, 2021.

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In a release from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), investigators said Pike Electric LLC might have prevented the incident by ensuring required safety standards were followed, along with adequate supervision and training.

The two apprentices for the Mount Airy, North Carolina company were working on a 7,200-volt electric distribution line to restore power after a severe summer storm at 7313 Johns Road in Adger.

“Two young people suffered fatal electrocution because Pike Electric LLC failed to meet their responsibility to ensure a safe and healthful workplace and ensure the proper supervision of new workers," OSHA Area Director Ramona Morris said. “Pike Electric should know the steps needed to isolate live electrical sources before making repairs on a downed electrical line and be acutely aware of the dangers. Not following safety precautions and ensuring workers understand the dangers when lives are on the line is inexcusable.”

OSHA says its investigators determined that Pike Electric allowed the workers to repair a downed power line without ensuring the removal of all jumpers from the power source, in addition to failing to train workers to recognize electrical hazards and know the required safety procedures when addressing existing hazards.

Pike Electric is a subsidiary of Pike Corp. — an electric, gas and telecommunications provider with about 10,000 employees and 100 office locations.

What's more, OSHA discovered the company failed to have an adequate number of people with first-aid training for the six-man crew, as they performed field work on exposed lines and energized equipment.

OSHA ultimately proposed $43,506 in penalties, before giving the company 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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