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ELECTROCUTION
| Accident Type: |
Electrocution |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Sunny/Clear |
| Type of Operation: |
Fence Construction |
| Size of Work Crew: |
5 |
| Collective Bargaining |
No |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
No |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
Yes |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
No |
| Training and Education Provided: |
No |
| Employee Job Title: |
Laborer |
| Age & Sex: |
25-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
3 Months |
| Time on Project: |
1 Day |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
Five employees were construction a chain link fence in front of a house and directly below a 7200-volt energized power line. They were installing 21-foot sections of metal top rail on the fence. One employee picked up a 21-foot section of top rail and held it up vertically. The top rail contacted the 7200-volt line, and the employee was electrocuted.
INSPECTION RESULTS
Following its inspection, OSHA determined that the employee who was killed had never received any safety training from his employer nor any specific instruction in avoiding the hazards posed by overhead power lines. The agency issued two serious citations for the training deficiencies.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Employers must instruct employees to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions applicable to their work environment [29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2)].
- Employers must not permit employees to work in proximity to any part of an electrical power circuit when the employee could contact it during the course of work, unless the employee is protected against electric shock by de-energizing the circuit and grounding it or by guarding it effectively by insulation or other means [29 CFR 1910.416(a)(1)].
SOURCES OF HELP
- OSHA General Industry Standards [CFR parts 1900-1910] and OSHA Construction Standards [CFR Part 1926] which together include all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations covering construction.
- Electrical Standards for Construction (OSHA 3097) which highlights electrical safety rules for construction.
- Ground-Fault Protection on Construction Sites (OSHA 3007) which explains ways to guard against electrical shock on the construction site through use of ground-fault circuit interrupters.
- OSHA-funded free consultation services listed in telephone directories under U.S. Labor Department or under the state government section where states administer their own OSHA 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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