OSHA Cites Contractor After Fatal Electrocution and Worker Injuries

DOL News Releases

Filed March 13th, 2026

Detected March 14th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Primoris Services Corp. for three serious violations following a fatal electrocution and two injuries at a Florida worksite. OSHA has proposed $49,650 in penalties.

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What changed

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Primoris Services Corp. for three serious violations after a fatal electrocution and two severe injuries occurred when a utility pole contacted an energized overhead transmission line. The agency has proposed penalties totaling $49,650. The citations stem from alleged failures to maintain minimum approach distances, deenergize lines, assign an observer, and adequately cover special precautions in job briefings.

This enforcement action highlights critical safety lapses in utility construction. Employers in this sector must review and reinforce their safety protocols regarding energized lines, including proper deenergization procedures, maintaining safe approach distances, and ensuring comprehensive job briefings. While Primoris Services Corp. is contesting the citations, the proposed penalties underscore the severe consequences of non-compliance with OSHA standards, particularly in high-risk environments. Companies should ensure their safety management systems adequately address these hazards to prevent similar incidents.

What to do next

Review and reinforce safety protocols for working near energized overhead power lines.
Ensure job briefings adequately cover special precautions for energized transmission lines.
Verify that designated observers are assigned and monitor approach distances.

Penalties

$49,650 in proposed penalties

Source document (simplified)

News Release

US Department of Labor cites Florida construction contractor after 2 workers severely injured, 1 fatally electrocuted

SEMINOLE, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor cited a Florida utility construction contractor for Duke Energy after one worker was electrocuted and two others injured at a Seminole site in August 2025.

Investigators with the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined a work crew from Primoris Services Corp. – operating as Primoris T&D Services LLC – was replacing a utility pole when the pole contacted an energized overhead transmission line, fatally electrocuting a lineman and sending two other workers to the hospital.

OSHA cited the employer with three serious violations for failing to ensure employees maintained the required minimum approach distance from exposed energized parts or have the transmission line deenergized, assign a designated observer to monitor approach distances and provide warnings, and ensure the job briefing covered special precautions required when working under energized transmission lines.

OSHA proposed $49,650 in penalties.

The employer has contested the citations before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Penalties and citations may be adjusted throughout the course of the case process. Please check the OSHA establishment search page periodically for any changes in the inspection or penalty status.

Learn more about OSHA, including tips to protect employees when working near overhead power lines. Employers may contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.

Agency Occupational Safety & Health Administration Date March 13, 2026 Release Number 26-158-ATL Media Contact: Erika Ruthman Phone Number 678-237-0630 Email ruthman.erika.b@dol.gov Media Contact: Eric R. Lucero Phone Number 678-237-0630 Email lucero.eric.r@dol.gov Media Contact: Juan Rodriguez Phone Number 972-850-4709 Email rodriguez.juan@dol.gov Share This
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