Division of Labor and Industry

 

MOSH Instruction 07-04Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH)

 
To: All MOSH Personnel
 
From: Roger Campbell, Assistant Commissioner
 
Subject: Local Emphasis Program (LEP) Electrocution Hazards in Construction
 
References: None
 
Purpose: This Instruction establishes a Local Emphasis Program for Electrocution Hazards in Construction
 
Scope: MOSH-wide
 
Cancellations: None
 
Effective Date: October 1, 2007
 
Expiration Date: One year from the effective date, unless replaced earlier by a new Instruction
 

By and Under the Authority of

Roger Campbell
Assistant Commissioner


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
I. Purpose
 
II. Scope
 
III. References
 
IV. Expiration
 
V. Action Information
A. Responsible Office
B. Action Office
C. Information Offices
 
VI. Action
 
VII. Background
 
VIII. Procedures
A. Inspection register
B. Site selection
C. Complaints and referrals
 
IX. Recording in IMIS
 

Electrocution Hazards in Construction LEP

I. Purpose. This Instruction establishes an LEP for electrocution hazards in the construction industry.

II. Scope. This Instruction applies to all Regional Offices.

III. References. None

IV. Expiration. This Instruction expires on September 30, 2008.

V. Action Information.

A. Responsible Office: Office of the Assistant Commissioner 
B. Action Office: All Regional Offices
C. Information Office: Office of the Assistant Commissioner

VI. Action. MOSH compliance personnel shall ensure that the procedures contained in this directive are followed when conducting this LEP. The Regional Offices will implement the procedures described in section VIII of this Instruction in response to imminent dangers or serious electrocution hazards that are identified on construction sites. The Regional Supervisors shall use the LEP as a basis for scheduling and conducting safety inspections of construction sites. This LEP is intended to be used on any construction site where electrocution hazards have been alleged and/or identified to initiate safety inspections. These inspections may be expanded to comprehensive inspections of multi employer construction sites in accordance with the guidelines established in the FOM.

VII. Background. Construction has long been recognized as a high hazard industry and is one of the industries targeted in MOSH's Five Year Strategic Plan. The State has experienced significant construction activity in recent years. Accidents relating to electrocution hazards are one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities. It is believed through a local emphasis program that increases awareness and accelerates enforcement activity, injuries can be reduced. It is also recognized that a tracking mechanism for these type inspections would prove beneficial in monitoring the area of electrocution hazards. In the past, many unprogrammed inspections have been conducted through CSHO self referrals, imminent danger complaints or through accident investigations. This LEP is designed to increase inspection activity, provide tracking, enhance expertise and formalize procedures.

VIII. Procedures. This LEP will be conducted throughout the State.

A. An inspection targeting system which encompasses identification of sites at the beginning of the quarter and the random selection of sites is not practical. Hazards related to electrocution hazards on construction sites are normally transient and of limited duration. This limits the practicality of targeting the site in advance. Therefore, inspections conducted under this LEP would be initiated by several means: CSHO observance, non formal complaints, and referrals from other outside sources.

B. All work sites where electrocution hazards are observed by compliance officers will be selected for inspection under this LEP. These sites shall include but shall not be limited to:

  1. Heavy Equipment and Crane Operations;
     
  2. Aerial Lifts
     
  3. Scaffold Usage
     
  4. Electric Utilities;
     
  5. Other activities which constitute potential electrocution hazards and no protective systems are in use such as electrical installation activities, excavation activities, and site clearing.

When a job site with electrocution hazards is noted during travel, the CSHO will notify the supervisor with the name of the contractor (if known) and the location of the site. The supervisor will determine if the site has been inspected within the last 30 days. If the site has not been inspected within the last 30 days, permission will be given to inspect the site. If the site has been inspected within the last 30 days, an inspection will be authorized only if an imminent danger appears to be present, or at the Regional Supervisor's discretion. These inspections will normally be limited to the imminent danger situation and plain view items. The CSHO will remain at the site to observe the abatement procedures and/or to assist with abatement methods. CSHOs will record these inspections as referral inspections.

A. A large number of electrocution hazards are reported via referrals and complaints, both of a formal and a non formal nature. Formal complaints of electrocution hazards on construction sites will continue to be scheduled before programmed inspections. Non formal complaints and referrals which would normally be handled by letters will be handled in accordance with paragraph IX.B. above. Inspection history and the scope of the inspection will be handled in the same manner.

IX. Recording in IMIS. The IMIS identifier code to be used in item 25c on the OSHA-1 will be "ELECTRIC".

 
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