Summary Statement
Describes a fatal electrocution and discusses ways that it could have been prevented.
WInter 2000
| Accident type | Electrocution |
| Weather | Fair and Cold with Wet Ground |
| Type of Operation | Remodeling |
| Crew Size | 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/M |
| Experience at This Type Work | 30 days |
| Time on Project | 3 days |
Brief Description
of Accident
Two employees were installing aluminum siding on a farm house 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 7,200-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
The employer must:
1. Note the presence of power lines and be extremely cautious when working
near them. Train employees to recognize hazards [Title 29 of the Code
of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 1926.21(b)(2)].
2. Do not permit employees to work near any part of an electrical power
circuit that 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 employees
(CFR 1926.400(c)(1).
Sources of Help
- OSHA General Industry Standards [29 CFR Parts 1900-1910] and OSHA Construction Standards [CFR Part 1926] together include all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations covering construction.
- OSHA-funded free onsite consultation services. Consult your telephone directory for the number of you local OSHA area or regional office for further assistance and advice listed under the U.S. Labor Department or under the state government section where states administer their own OSHA-approved safety and health programs.
- A Guide to Scaffold Use in the Construction Industry (OSHA 3150), Controlling Electrical Hazards (OSHA 3075), Ground-Fault Protection on Construction Sites (OSHA 3007), and other publications, technical information, standards, and assistance are available online at www.osha.gov.
- Courses in construction safety are offered by the OSHA Training Institute, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plains, IL 60018, (847) 297-4810 and are listed on OSHA's website.
