A 30-year-old painter was hospitalized after he received second and third degree burns when his ladder came into contact with overhead power lines. As a result, OSHA has cited ShayCore Enterprises with five safety and health violations. ShayCore Enterprises was subcontracted to paint the exterior of Total Office Solutions furniture and warehouse in Jacksonville.

"The employer recognized the hazards associated with working near power lines, but failed to take action to ensure workers were protected and equipped with the proper tools to perform the work safely," said Brian Sturtecky, OSHA's area director in Jacksonville. "The employer's inaction nearly resulted in a worker losing his life."

Aluminum ladders near power lines

A willful citation was issued for allowing employees to use aluminum ladders near power lines.

OSHA issued serious violations for exposing workers to falls up to 27 feet and for not providing employees with a fall protection system; failing to train employees on how to recognize hazards associated with using aluminum ladders around electrical lines; and not ensuring the ladder used to access the roof extended 3 feet above the roofline. Another violation involves not implementing a written respiratory protection program.

ShayCore Enterprises is a licensed general contracting and construction management firm with three separate divisions: residential, commercial and industrial.