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ELECTROCUTION
| Accident Type: |
Electrocution |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Sunny, Clear |
| Type of Operation: |
Steel Erection |
| Size of Work Crew: |
3 |
| Collective Bargaining |
No |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
Yes - Victim |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
No |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
Yes |
| Training and Education Provided: |
No |
| Employee Job Title: |
Steel Erector Foreman |
| Age & Sex: |
43-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
4 months |
| Time on Project: |
4 Hours |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
Employees were moving a steel canopy structure using a "boom crane" truck. The boom cable made contact with a 7200 volt electrical power distribution line electrocuting the operator of the crane; he was the foreman at the site.
INSPECTION RESULTS
As a result of its investigation. OSHA issued citations for four serious violations of its construction standards dealing with training, protective equipment, and working too close to power lines.
OSHA's construction safety standards include several requirements which, If they had been followed here. might have prevented this fatality.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Develop and maintain a safety and health program to provide guidance for safe operations (29 CFR 1926.20(b)(1)).
- Instruct each employee on how to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions which apply to the work and work areas (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2))
- If high voltage lines are not de-energized, visibly grounded, or protected by insulating barriers, equipment operators must maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet between their equipment and the electrical distribution or transmission lines (29 CFR 1926.550(a)(15)(i)).
SOURCES OF HELP
- Ground Fault Protection on Construction Sites (OSHA 3007) which describes OSHA requirements for electrical safety at construction sites.
- Construction Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 2207) which contains all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations (1926 and 1910) covering construction
- OSHA Safety and Health Training Guidelines for Construction (available from the National Technical Information Service - Order No PB-239312/AS) comprised of a set of 15 guidelines to help construction employees establish a training program in the safe use of equipment, tools, and machinery on the job
- OSHA-funded free onsite consultation services Consult your telephone directory for the number of your local OSHA area or regional office for further assistance and advice (listed under the US Labor Department or under the state government section where states administer their own OSH programs).
NOTE: The case here described was selected as being representative of fatalities caused by improper work practices. No special emphasis or priority is implied nor is the case necessarily a recent occurrence. The legal aspects of the incident have been resolved, and the case is now closed. |
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