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ELECTROCUTION
| Accident Type: |
Electrocution |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Indoor Work |
| Type of Operation: |
Installing and Trouble-shooting overhead lamps |
| Size of Work Crew: |
15 |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
Yes |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
Inadeqaute |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
Yes |
| Training and Education Provided: |
No |
| Employee Job Title: |
Electrician |
| Age & Sex: |
53-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
Journeyman |
| Time on Project: |
1 Month |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
The employee was attempting to correct an electrical problem involving two non-operational lamps. He proceeded to the area where he thought the problem was. He had not shut off the power at the circuit breaker panel nor had he tested the wires to see if they were live. He was electrocuted when he grabbed the two live wires with his left hand and then fell from the ladder.
INSPECTION RESULTS
As a result of its investigation, OSHA Issued citations alleging three serious violations. OSHA's construction standards include several requirements which, if they had been followed here, might have prevented this fatality.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- The employer should not allow work to be done on electrical circuits unless an effective lock-out/tag-out program is implemented [29 CFR 1926.416(a)(1)].
- The employer should not allow work to be done on energized electrical circuits or circuits which are not positively de-energized or tagged out [29 CFR 1926.417(a) and.417(c)].
SOURCES OF HELP
- OSHA 2207 Construction Industry Manual -- includes all OSHA construction standards and those general industry standards which relate to construction. Stock number 029-016-00-122-1, (521). Available from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402-9325, phone.
- 202-783-3238. Make checks payable to Superintendent of Documents. For phone orders, you may use a GPO deposit account or Visa or MasterCard.
- For Information on OSHA-funded free consultation services call the nearest OSHA area office listed in telephone directories under U.S. Labor Department or under the state government section in states administering their own OSHA programs.
- OSHA Safety and Health Training Guidelines for Construction (Available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161; 703/487-4650; Order No. PB-239-312/AS) $19, to help construction employers establish a training program.
- Courses in construction safety are offered by the OSHA Training Institute, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018, (phone 708-297-4810).
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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