OSHA fines Entergy New Orleans thousands in death of lineman believed to be Cayce Seal
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined Entergy Power Company in New Orleans in the June 2021 death of a lineman.
While the report did not name the victim, Entergy lineman Cayce Seal, a Bay St. Louis resident, suffered an electric shock while working on a power line the same day reported in OSHA’s investigative report.
On June 23, 2021, Seal was wrapping a power pole with a cover “when he contacted an energized 23 kilovolt phase line with his arm,” OSHA’s investigative report says. “The employee was killed when he was electrocuted.”
OSHA’s investigation so far has found Entergy responsible for three violations and fined the company $40,959. The investigation has not been closed and more violations could be added or deleted, the report says.
Seal’s mother, Michele Seal, said in a Facebook post the OSHA report was about her son’s death.
“Just thought I’d share what we’re dealing with these days,” she said. “This Mama will not let my Cayce’s death go untold. I’ll continue to strive to not let other families experience this pain.”
Entergy released a statement to WAFB in Baton Rouge.
“The employee’s death was a tragedy that impacted all of us at Entergy, and we feel deeply for his family. As with any event of this nature, we have worked hard to learn the details of what occurred and implement any necessary changes that might help to prevent such incidents from happening again,” the spokesman wrote. “Entergy has also cooperated fully with OSHA’s investigation.”
After suffering the electric shock, Seal was taken to University Medical Center in New Orleans and was there for days before he was pronounced dead. Friends, family and Entergy workers were able to say their emotional goodbyes and pray with his family.
Cayce Seal is the son of Bay Councilman Doug Seal. Thousands attended his funeral services at St. Clare Catholic Church in Waveland, including linemen from multiple agencies across Mississippi and Louisiana.
Seal leaves behind a fianceé, Cassie Lassabe, son Declan Seal and stepdaughter Anistyn Hoda.
