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ELECTROCUTION
| Accident Type: |
Electrocution |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Clear |
| Type of Operation: |
Power Line Work |
| Size of Work Crew: |
2 |
| Collective Bargaining |
Yes |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
Yes |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
No |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
No |
| Training and Education Provided: |
No |
| Employee Job Title: |
Lineman |
| Age & Sex: |
44-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
11 Months |
| Time on Project: |
6 Weeks |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
A lineman was electrocuted while working on grounded de-energized lines. He was working from a defective basket on an articulated boom aerial lift when the basket contacted energized lines which ran beneath the de-energized lines. The defective basket permitted current to pass through a drain hole cut into the body of the basket, then through the employee, and to ground via the de-energized line.
INSPECTION RESULTS
OSHA cited the company for two serious violations and one other than serious violation of its construction standards. Had barriers been erected to prevent contact with adjacent energized lines, the electrical shock might have been prevented.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Guards or barriers must be erected as necessary to adjacent energized lines (29 CFR 1926.950(d)(1)(v)).
- Existing conditions of mechanical equipment, energized lines, equipment, conditions of poles, and location of circuit must be determined by an inspection or test before starting work. (29 CFR 1926.950(b)(1) and.952(a)(1)).
- Employees must be instructed on how to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions and on regulations that apply to their work environment (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2) ).
SOURCES OF HELP
- Construction Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 2207) which contains all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations (1926 and 1910) covering construction.
- OSHA-funded free consultation services. Consult your telephone directory for the number of your local OSHA area or regional office for further assistance and advice (listed under U.S. Labor Department or under the state government section where states administer their own OSHA programs).
- OSHA Safety and Health Training Guidelines for Construction (available from the National Technical Information Service-Order No. PB-239-312/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.
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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