ACCIDENT SUMMARY - Electrocution
| Accident Type: | Electrocution |  |
| Weather Conditions: | Wet Ground | |
| Type of Operation: | Remodeling | |
| Size of Work Crew: | 2 | |
| Collective Bargaining | No | |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: | Yes | |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: | No | |
| Was the Work site Inspected Regularly: | Yes | |
| Training and Education Provided: | No | |
| Employee Job Title: | Carpenter | |
| Age & Sex: | 33-Male | |
| Experience at this Type of Work: | 30 Days | |
| Time on Project: | 3 Days |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
Two employees were installing aluminum siding on a farmhouse when it became necessary to remove a 36-foot high metal pole CB antenna. One employee stood on a metal pick board between two ladders and unfastened the antenna at the top of the house. The other employee, who was standing on the ground, took the antenna to lay it down in the yard. The antenna made electrical contact with a 7200-volt power transmission line 30 feet 10 inches from the house and 23 feet 9 inches above the ground. The employee handling the antenna received a fatal shock and the other employee a minor shock.
INSPECTION RESULTS
Following its investigation, OSHA issued one citation for two alleged serious violations of its construction standards. Had these standards been adhered to, the fatality might have been prevented.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Note the presence of power lines and be extremely cautious when working near them. Train employees to recognize and avoid electrical hazards (29CFR 1926.21(b)(2)).
- Do not permit employees to work near any part of an electrical power circuit which might be contacted in the course of the work. Guard all electrical power circuits against accidental contact by insulating the circuit or de-energizing it or by other effective means that would protect the employee (29CFR 1926.400(C)(1)).
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 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.
- 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 (list under the U.S. Department of Labor or under the state government section where states administer the 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.
