ALJ in Decision Echo Powerline LLC becomes a final order of the Commission
Respondent was hired by the Tri-County Electric Corporation in Beaver, Oklahoma, to restore downed power lines and poles, which had fallen over during an ice storm on January 21, 2017. (Tr. 195). In a three- four-mile area, Respondent had 12–13 crews working to rehang power lines, repair cross-arms and re-set or adjust poles. (Tr. 365–66). One of the crews, led by Brad Brouilette, was rehanging distribution lines along a dirt road that terminated at an intersection with Highway 412 (“worksite”). Roughly mid-span between two sets of the poles being worked on, a high-power transmission line passed approximately four feet over the top of the distribution lines. (Tr. 184–186; Ex. C-7 at 2). The crew had successfully hung two of the three conductors and was in the process of hanging the third and final conductor when the crew members heard somebody yell. (Tr. 75, 113). Two of the employees working as groundsmen fell to the ground, having suffered an electrical shock. (Tr. 74–75). One employee suffered burns to his arms and feet, and the other employee died from electrocution, notwithstanding his coworkers’ efforts to resuscitate him. (Tr. 255; Ex. C-6).