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NIOSH Publication No. 98-131:

Worker Deaths by Electrocution

May 1998

  A Summary of Surveillance Findings and Investigative Case Reports

Part II. Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Summary Report Abstracts, 1982-1994, Electrocutions


FACE Electrocution Cases for Monograph

The following pages contain short descriptions of the FACE cases summarized in this monograph. The first two numbers preceding the case denote the year in which the case was investigated. The following two numbers identify a sequential file number for a particular year.

To view longer summaries of the FACE cases listed below, click on the case number. To view a complete list of FACE Electrocution Cases visit the NIOSH Electrical Safety web page.

82-03 Truck driver standing on the ground directing crane operator electrocuted when crane cable contacted 7200V powerline. Victim on the ground helping to guide a ladder being positioned by the crane.
83-08 Electrician electrocuted at coal-fired power plant while replacing limit switch on coal sampler. Lockout procedures not followed. Contact with 220V line.
83-09 Painter working on electrical transmission tower electrocuted after direct contact with a grounding line that held a static charge.
84-17 Fast food restaurant employee electrocuted while plugging a portable electric toaster into a 110V/20 amp receptacle.
85-01 Worker electrocuted through direct contact with overhead 69000V powerline while dismantling electric substation tower. Co-worker had advised victim that lines not yet deenergized by power company.
85-03 Transportation worker electrocuted when iron rod used to measure asphalt level in storage tank contacted overhead 7200V powerline.
85-04 Electrical line construction foreman electrocuted by electric arc while attempting to cut 7200V powerline and attach it to new pole.
85-06 Warehouse worker electrocuted after coming in contact with bare 440V runway conductor (trolley wire) and grounded metal pallet storage rack. Victim at top of storage rack helping to remove mining auger by attaching a chain to it so it could be lowered by a crane.
85-07 Two steel erection workers electrocuted while using a crane with a telescoping boom to move an assembly of steel framing members. Contact with 23000V overhead powerline.
85-08 Construction worker electrocuted when crane load line contacted 7200V overhead powerline. Victim in process of hooking a load to the crane.
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Table of Contents
Part I. Electrocution-Related Fatalities
Overview of Electrical Hazards
Epidemiology of Electrocution Fatalities
Prevention: Elements of an Electrical Safety Program
on page arrow Part II. FACE Summary
    Report Abstracts, 1982-
   1994 Electrocutions
85-11 Mushroom cannery worker electrocuted while attempting to unclog a drain beneath a processing table. Victim contacted motor connection box while kneeling in water.
85-14 Construction worker electrocuted when crane cable contacted 13800V overhead powerline. Victim in contact with crane's outrigger.
85-15 Carpenter electrocuted and another worker severely burned when crane with telescoping boom contacted 34000V overhead powerline while he was setting metal forms for a highway retaining wall. Electricity passed from cable through form through victim to ground.
85-16 Foreman electrocuted after contacting one phase of a 23000V conductor within a switch cabinet. Replacing high-voltage distribution switch at the time of the incident.
85-17 Foreman electrocuted, three crewmen critically injured during erection of 36-foot traffic control device pole which contacted 26000V overhead powerline as derrick truck operator attempted to place it.
85-18 Construction worker electrocuted when 7200V overhead powerline fell on trailer attached to utility truck.
85-19 Driver unloading concrete blocks at building supply mart electrocuted when boom of truck-mounted crane apparently contacted 9000V overhead powerline. Outriggers on truck not set. Truck tipped while boom only 12 to 18 inches from powerline.
85-21 Worker on billboard electrocuted when 24-foot metal hook ladder contacted an overhead powerline.
85-22 Volunteer firefighter electrocuted after contacting 7200V overhead powerline while rappelling down the front of a fire station.
85-24 Video store owner electrocuted when he contacted an energized circuit while repairing an air conditioning thermostat. Victim grounded through aluminum ladder.
85-25 Lineman electrocuted after contacting a distribution system he believed to be deenergized.
85-28 Maintenance worker electrocuted as he attempted to turn off a welder. Exposed cable, broken insulation, water on floor.
85-29 Two construction laborers electrocuted when a crane contacted a 13400V overhead powerline under installation by another firm.
85-30 Sign service worker working from aerial ladder truck electrocuted by direct contact with 7200V overhead powerline.
85-32 Construction worker electrocuted when backhoe broke utility pole, causing 7200V overhead powerline to fall a few feet from where he was standing.
85-34 Billboard worker electrocuted as scaffold contacted 13800V overhead powerline. Working from "stage"-type scaffold positioned between catwalk and billboard.
85-35 Textile worker electrocuted while adding a new supply roll of warp to a weaving loom after contacting a loom and a feeder. Faulty receptacle to feeder.
85-36 Electrical worker electrocuted when he slipped and fell into a 7200V, 240/120V single-phase, step-down transformer he was wiring.
85-37 Brick company worker electrocuted when boom on a truck-mounted crane he was operating with a pendant controller contacted a 7200V overhead powerline.
85-38 Production welder plugged cord of a portable welder into a defective extension cord and was electrocuted.
85-39 Maintenance worker electrocuted when 20-foot piece of angle iron he was carrying struck an uninsulated supply wire on an electrical transformer.
85-41 Mobile home assembly-line worker electrocuted when he contacted the exterior of a mobile home energized by a short circuit in the wiring of an adjacent home.
85-42 While drilling horizontally under a road to install new gas lines, a gas utility worker was electrocuted after a drill contacted a 4160V powerline. Co-worker injured.
85-43 County highway worker electrocuted when the 20-foot steel handle of a modified post-hole digger he was holding contacted a 7200V overhead powerline.
85-46 Soldier electrocuted while installing WD-1 communication wire across road on military firing range. Threw wire across 440V powerlines that crossed the road.
85-47 Iron worker electrocuted after touching ceiling fixture as he was transported from work station in a truck-mounted aerial bucket.
85-48 Service technician electrocuted in crawlspace at private home while performing maintenance on an oil furnace.
86-01 Electronic technician electrocuted as he demonstrated how feeders were to be connected to bus bars. Contact with 380 volts.
86-02 Electrician electrocuted after contacting 277 volts while making a connection in a 4-inch junction box at a construction site.
86-03 Lineman electrocuted while attaching a guy wire to a utility pole during installation of a 7200V powerline between adjoining poles.
86-04 Utility worker electrocuted while trying to open a pole-mounted, ground-level air switch on a three-phase, 69000V powerline.
86-05 School maintenance worker electrocuted after contacting transformer wire.
86-06 Three farm workers electrocuted when grain auger they were moving contacted a 7200V overhead powerline.
86-07 Two farm workers electrocuted when grain auger they were moving contacted a 7200V overhead powerline.
86-08 Apprentice electrician electrocuted after contacting 277V uninsulated wire during installation of overhead junction box.
86-09 Lineman electrocuted while working from an aerial bucket truck to install a transformer. Direct contact with 13200V overhead powerline. Truck not grounded.
86-11 Two electrical workers in aerial bucket electrocuted while attaching transformer to utility pole. Operator on ground inadvertently moved boom upward, causing victims to directly contact high-voltage overhead powerline.
86-14 Operator of plastic extrusion machine electrocuted after contacting metal machine part energized at 10000V (used for treating plastic sheeting). Incident occurred while another worker performing maintenance on machine.
86-16 Bindery machine operator electrocuted when he contacted a 480V circuit inside a panel box while trying to check an electrical relay.
86-17 Truck driver electrocuted when crane boom on his truck contacted a 7200V overhead powerline. Unloading precast concrete manhole assemblies.
86-18 Telephone construction worker electrocuted and two other workers injured when the boom of a truck crane contacted a 7200V overhead powerline. Victim was groundman repairing a guy wire section laying across the truck crane's outrigger.
86-20 Lineman electrocuted after contacting a lightning arrester conductor while working from an aerial bucket. Contact with 7200V overhead powerline.
86-21 Lineman electrocuted when he contacted a 7200V powerline at an electrical substation. Line erroneously assumed to be dead.
86-22 Warehouse worker guiding grain auger by hand electrocuted as auger contacted 12470V distribution system.
86-24 Scale technician electrocuted while helping a crane operator prepare to lift a platform scale frame. Wire winch cable extending from boom tip contacted a 7200V overhead powerline.
86-25 Superintendent electrocuted while inspecting electrical relays in an electrical control panel box.
86-26 Utility worker electrocuted when aerial bucket in which he was working contacted a 7200V overhead powerline.
86-27 Laborer electrocuted when metal pole he was carrying (used to scrape soot from plant smokestacks) contacted a 7200V overhead powerline. Co-worker apparently attempting rescue seriously burned.
86-28 Worker electrocuted while using a 110V auger to install tie-down rods for a manufactured home. Auger had no continuous grounding system. Co-worker received shock, after which auger fell across victim, electrocuting him.
86-29 Mechanic electrocuted when he contacted a grounded horizontal conductor with one hand and an energized three-way connector with the other. Performing maintenance on electrical distribution system.
86-30 Maintenance worker electrocuted when aluminum pruning pole with a saw attached to it contacted a 7200V overhead powerline while he was trimming a tree.
86-31 Groundman electrocuted while transferring electric distribution lines and a transformer to a new utility pole. Co-worker seriously injured.
86-32 Laborer at pickle plant electrocuted when he contacted a faulty splice on a 440V power cord for a portable pump while filling a tank with brine.
86-33 Electrician's helper electrocuted while wiring a fluorescent light fixture in a suspended ceiling. Procedures for deenergizing and testing of circuits not followed.
86-35 Maintenance worker electrocuted while replacing a ballast in a fluorescent light fixture. Conductor not deenergized, polarity reversed because of installation error.
86-36 Carpenter electrocuted when portable electric saw apparently developed a ground fault. Engaged in construction of laundry building for apartment complex.
86-39 Painter and carpenter electrocuted when a tubular metal scaffold they were rolling to another work area contacted a 12000V overhead powerline.
86-40 Lineman on utility pole electrocuted while reaching overhead with a hot-stick to place a jumper line on one phase of a three-phase 7200V primary line.
86-41 Electrical technician electrocuted while testing circuits in a metal cabinet housing power transmission and distribution equipment. Contact with 10000V energized resistor.
86-42 Groundman electrocuted while cleaning connectors that linked overhead powerlines to service lines to a private home. Victim working without rubber gloves from aerial bucket truck.
86-43 Restaurant manager electrocuted after contacting handle of refrigerator that had a ground fault. Slipped on wet, soapy floor he was cleaning.
86-45 Maintenance worker electrocuted when he contacted an energized circuit in the control box of a popsicle-wrapping machine that was not working. Victim performing diagnostic tests while standing on a metal platform one foot above a wet floor.
86-46 Groundman electrocuted when truck's aerial boom contacted a 7200V overhead powerline while he was in contact with the truck.
86-47 Electrician electrocuted while repairing airport runway lights. Co-worker misinterpreted signal, reenergizing circuit before electrician finished.
86-49 National Guard commander electrocuted when he climbed a tower supporting 46000V transmission lines and contacted a jumper line. Engaged in demolition of tower as training exercise.
86-50 Meter technician, working as a lineman, electrocuted while attempting to repair a fallen 120V powerline. Powerline splice caught victim's glove, exposing his arm to direct 120-volt current.
86-51 Truck driver electrocuted while operating remote control of a truck-mounted crane boom that contacted overhead 7200V powerline. Electric current traveled through controller to victim to ground.
86-53 Electrician electrocuted while performing preventive maintenance on a high-voltage circuit breaker at electrical substation.
86-55 Line mechanic electrocuted after contacting energized tap while replacing a fuse holder.
87-02 Laborer electrocuted when he contacted a 7200V overhead powerline. Standing on roof of house as it was being moved to another location, lifting overhead wires so they would clear the house.
87-03 Mechanic electrocuted when 25-foot two-way radio antenna he was helping to load contacted a 7200V overhead powerline.
87-04 Sheet metal apprentice electrocuted while guiding a powered scaffold that was being unloaded from the flatbed of a truck with a truck-mounted crane. Hoist cable contacted 6500V overhead powerline, and was engulfed in flames. Victim standing on wet ground nearby.
87-07 Machine operator electrocuted when he contacted an energized conductor in a motor control box that had had the cover plate removed. Using gang slitter machine to cut bulk rolls of fiberglass at time of incident.
87-08 Laborer electrocuted when 21-foot aluminum flagpole he was installing contacted a 7200V overhead powerline. Victim carrying flagpole upright.
87-09 Laborer electrocuted when he contacted a 13000V underground powerline while digging with a pneumatic clay spade.
87-10 Pump operator electrocuted when the boom on the truck-mounted concrete pump he was operating contacted a 7600V overhead powerline. Incident unwitnessed, but victim probably standing beside truck using a pendant controller.
87-11 Laborer in oil recycling plant electrocuted when he contacted a pump housing that had become energized due to faulty wiring. Engaged in pumping oil from a filtering tank to an analysis kettle.
87-12 Four maintenance workers at a naval installation electrocuted, and a crew chief critically injured, when the tubular welded-frame scaffold they were wheeling into position contacted a 12000V overhead powerline.
87-13 Laborer helping to unload sewer pipe electrocuted when the boom cable of a truck-mounted crane contacted an overhead powerline, causing an electrical arc. Victim grasping pipe and wire choker at time of incident.
87-14 Stagehand electrocuted when he contacted an exposed electrical wire protruding from a junction box. Victim lying on a metal catwalk reaching out to replace a ceiling tile when incident occurred.
87-15 Laborer painting a concrete silo electrocuted when his telescoping paint roller contacted a 7200V overhead powerline.
87-16 Fire chief electrocuted while trying to remove an injured person from a car which had hit a pole carrying a 7200V powerline.
87-18 Laborer electrocuted while steam-cleaning a rubber mill (converts bulk rubber to strips). Contacted machine, which had energized switch, while standing in water with a metal cleaning wand.
87-19 Bricklayer engaged in construction of brick wall electrocuted when tubular welded-frame scaffold contacted 7620V overhead powerline. Electric current flowed from the powerline to a section of wire reinforcement carried by a co-worker to the scaffold to victim to ground.
87-21 Worker setting up injection molding machine in plastics manufacturing plant electrocuted when he contacted an adjacent grinding machine that had a ground fault.
87-22 Mold-maker apprentice electrocuted while trying to repair and install a fluorescent light fixture that had a short circuit.
87-24 Apprentice lineman electrocuted while attaching a wooden cross arm to a new utility pole. Direct contact with 12000V powerline on an existing pole.
87-28 Two painters electrocuted while painting a 20-foot metal light pole from an aluminum ladder. One victim on ladder, the other on ground steadying ladder. Ladder apparently slipped, then slid along crossbar of light pole, placing victim on ladder in contact with 12460V overhead powerline and electrocuting the victim on the ground.
87-29 Lathe operator electrocuted when he contacted the frame of a lathe energized by a ground fault, presumably while walking between two lathes.
87-31 Electronic technician died of burns sustained in explosion in a 20000V switch compartment at a rail car maintenance shop. Victim sprayed cleaning fluid on energized circuits causing ignition.
87-32 Painter electrocuted when 24-foot aluminum ladder he was positioning contacted 7200V overhead powerline. Victim working alone to paint gutters on apartment building.
87-34 Electrician's apprentice electrocuted when he contacted live conductors while disassembling an energized switch box in an office building. Victim apparently believed box to be deenergized.
87-35 Lineman electrocuted while changing jumper wire at electrical substation, contacting energized switch (34500V lines).
87-36 Truck driver electrocuted when his truck-mounted crane contacted a 7600V overhead powerline. Standing at rear of truck operating crane with conductive pendant controller.
87-37 Truck driver electrocuted when the bed of his dump truck contacted a 7200V overhead powerline. Presumably stepped out of truck to inspect exploded tires. He grasped the truck door handle, which provided a path to ground.
87-38 Lineman electrocuted when the boom of a derrick truck contacted a 7200V overhead powerline while he was leaning against the truck. Co-worker raised boom before grounding rods were in place.
87-40 Painter electrocuted when he began wrapping plastic around an insulator in preparation for painting a steel structure at a substation. Contacted 11000V conductor while standing on steel beam.
87-41 Pipe layer electrocuted when the boom of a backhoe contacted a 13200V overhead powerline. Victim was guiding load attached to backhoe bucket.
87-42 Lineman trainee electrocuted when he attempted to remove a ground wire from a 230000V transmission circuit. Grasped tower end of ground still attached to powerline.
87-43 Electrician electrocuted while replacing a socket on an energized fluorescent light fixture. Victim was stripping insulation from an improperly grounded wire on a ballast.
87-44 Construction foreman electrocuted while guiding a boring machine attached to a crane into a ditch. Crane boom contacted 13000V overhead powerline.
87-48 Carpenter and laborer electrocuted when section of tubular welded-frame scaffolding they were helping to move came loose and contacted 13750V overhead powerline.
87-52 Driller electrocuted when boom of hydraulic well drilling machine he was operating contacted a 34500V overhead powerline.
87-53 Groundman electrocuted when energized 13200V powerline broke and fell onto pole trailer onto which he was loading a pole. Trailer was not grounded.
87-54 Truck driver electrocuted when he raised the bed of his dump truck into a 12000V overhead powerline. Victim standing to the side of the truck operating lever that controlled bed.
87-55 Electrician electrocuted when he contacted an energized wire in a fluorescent light fixture at a private residence.
87-56 Utility worker electrocuted while disconnecting power source to a knitting machine motor, inadvertently touching an energized prong on the damaged plug.
87-58 Apprentice electrician electrocuted when he contacted an energized circuit while installing lights on an ocean pier. Victim ignored instructions not to proceed until circuits verified to be deenergized.
87-60 Maintenance manager electrocuted as he attempted to make a connection in an energized air conditioner at an apartment complex.
87-61 Laborer/truck driver electrocuted while holding onto a hook suspended from the hoist cable of a truck-mounted crane. Cable contacted 19900V overhead powerline.
87-62 Handyman electrocuted when he apparently contacted an energized cap on a well while searching for a water leak.
87-63 Electrician electrocuted when he contacted an energized conductor while installing wiring for a refrigeration system.
87-65 Tree trimmer electrocuted when he directly contacted a 7200V overhead powerline while working in a tree.
87-66 Laborer electrocuted when the mast of a well-drilling rig he was operating contacted a 7200V overhead powerline. Victim saw smoke coming from rig's tires, then tried to enter truck cab to shut off truck.
87-68 Electrician electrocuted after contacting a 110V conductor while working in a crawlspace to install a furnace in a cottage.
87-69 Electrician electrocuted when he contacted 480V power supply to a generator that supplied power to a glue machine.
87-70 Electrician electrocuted when he contacted the energized metal frame of a foundry stoker he was trying to repair.
88-02 Painter electrocuted when he contacted the housing of an energized fluorescent light fixture at a textile plant. Ground wire apparently disconnected in the past.
88-03 Apprentice lineman electrocuted while stringing a new length of overhead powerline that contacted an existing 12000V powerline above him. Electricity passed from new line to a trailer through the victim to ground.
88-04 Painter electrocuted when aluminum extension ladder he and a co-worker were raising contacted 7200V overhead powerline.
88-05 Construction worker electrocuted when aluminum extension ladder he was standing on contacted 7200V overhead powerline as it tipped backwards.
88-11 Maintenance supervisor electrocuted when he contacted a 22000V energized conductor in a control box. Victim evaluating malfunction of laser-guided cutting machine. Advised operator to stop the equipment, but not to deenergize it.
88-13 Cement finisher electrocuted when the metal handle of a cement-finishing tool he was using contacted an overhead powerline.
88-19 Deputy sheriff electrocuted while moving a 7200V powerline that fell when a car struck a utility pole.
88-21 Maintenance worker trainee electrocuted when he contacted an energized conductor in a junction box left uncovered the day before when a motor on a textile machine was replaced. Victim engaged in replacement of a plastic vacuum hose on the same machine.
88-22 Two pipefitters electrocuted when the boom of the crane moving a metal welding shed contacted a 12400V overhead powerline. Victims standing on the ground grasping the shed to guide it into place.
88-23 Lineman electrocuted when his hands contacted both sides of a switch on a pole-mounted capacitor bank. Victim inexplicably raised aerial bucket into overhead powerlines after removing gloves.
88-24 Laborer electrocuted when he contacted 115 volts while adjusting the limit switches on an overhead door opener.
88-25 Apprentice lineman engaged in relocation of powerlines electrocuted when he contacted a 13200V overhead powerline. Climbed pole before lines fully deenergized.
88-26 Maintenance worker for structural steel firm electrocuted when the boom of a crane moving a steel I-beam he was guiding contacted a 13000V overhead powerline. Crew engaged in cleanup of storage yard chose to stack I-beams directly below powerlines.
88-31 Welder/pipefitter killed when he contacted an energized 110V conductor while removing a fluorescent light fixture, and fell 29 feet to the floor. Cut into energized wire with uninsulated metal wire cutters.
88-32 Welder electrocuted when he contacted a conductor on an overhead crane. Engaged in adding reinforcing steel to the bridge of an overhead crane at a steel fabrication firm. Victim believed crane to be deenergized.
88-34 Laborer electrocuted when metal basket he was working from apparently damaged insulation on power supply to overhead crane. Steel I-beam with which victim had contact became energized. Victim engaged in repairing security system.
88-35 Assistant manager at municipal swimming pool electrocuted when she contacted a mixing motor that had a ground fault. Engaged in mixing chemical solution to be added to pool.
88-37 Electrician electrocuted when he touched the uninsulated part of a wire stripper that was in contact with a 110-volt circuit that had not been deenergized at the panel box. Installing residential floodlighting.
88-40 Construction laborer electrocuted when he touched the hoist cable of a crane whose boom was in contact with a 2400V overhead powerline. Engaged in removing forms from newly poured concrete wall and placing them on the crane's choker cable.
88-41 Electrician working in crawlspace electrocuted when his shoulder contacted a broken light bulb in an unguarded ceiling-mounted socket, and his head contacted a steel water pipe. Engaged in tracing wiring at a tobacco manufacturing plant.
88-45 Crew leader for electrical contractor electrocuted while installing transformers on concrete pads for an underground transmission system for a housing development. Failure to place grounds.
88-47 Equipment operator/lineman electrocuted when the wooden crossarm on a utility pole gave way, dropping energized wires on him. Engaged in replacing an electrical distribution system.
89-01 Steelworker electrocuted when he contacted a ventilation fan with damaged insulation on the power cord that had allowed the entire frame of the fan to become energized.
89-04 Equipment operator electrocuted when he directly contacted a 7600V overhead powerline while installing a traffic light. Raised aerial bucket from which he was working, apparently misjudging height of powerline.
89-06 Lineman electrocuted when he contacted a 12000V overhead powerline while installing "squirrel guards" on a transformer. Apparently slipped and contacted the energized side of a cut-out switch while working with bare hands.
89-08 Sign technician electrocuted when steel hoist cable attached to the extended ladder on his truck contacted a 12000V overhead powerline as he was driving. Victim apparently realized there was contact, stopped the truck, and stepped outside, still holding the door of the cab.
89-09 Hydroelectric supervisor died as a result of burns he suffered in an electrical fire. While calibrating analog meter, co-worker dropped overheated voltameter onto exposed high-voltage bus bars, creating a short circuit and a fire which ignited clothing. Co-worker seriously burned.
89-10 Machine operator electrocuted when crane boom contacted a 12000V overhead powerline as he was guiding a steel pipe by hand. Victim's firm working at a pit directly under powerline positioning a boring machine that was to drill under a road.
89-11 Lineman supervisor electrocuted when he contacted an energized fuse holder while on a utility pole. Engaged in rebuilding powerlines for rural electric cooperative. No personal protective equipment used.
89-15 Laborer standing on ground electrocuted when the boom of an aerial bucket truck with which he was in contact touched a 7200V overhead powerline. Two workers engaged in clearing tree branches away from powerline, co-worker working in bucket.
89-16 Roofer electrocuted when a 40-foot aluminum ladder he was positioning contacted a 7200V overhead powerline. Engaged in replacing shingles on church roof.
89-17 Electrical foreman and groundman electrocuted when the groundman removed a guy wire from its anchor and began to place it on the ground. Wire apparently contacted a 13200V powerline while both victims were touching it.
89-18 Electrician electrocuted after he contacted an energized 50000V transformer. After deenergizing identical system, mistakenly entered energized area. Performing scheduled maintenance at pulp and paper mill.
89-19 Maintenance mechanic at meat packing plant electrocuted when he contacted a strapping machine power cord with damaged insulation. Current passed through victim to wet floor.
89-26 Apprentice lineman working from aerial bucket electrocuted when he contacted a 13700V overhead powerline while upgrading an electrical distribution system. Holding a clamp in one hand, victim may have pushed a cable off the bucket with the other hand and contacted the powerline.
89-27 Electrical distribution line technician died as a result of injuries suffered when he directly contacted an overhead powerline while repositioning his aerial bucket. Failure to place insulating hose on lines.
89-36 Distribution line technician electrocuted and a co-worker seriously burned when a powerline they were installing contacted an energized 7200V powerline overhead. Both victims on the ground helping to pull slack out of the new line when line snagged in tree, contacting energized line.
89-37 Laborer electrocuted when he contacted a 4160V powerline after inexplicably entering a restricted power service enclosure. Victim engaged in sandblasting air conditioning unit on roof of plant prior to incident.
89-39 Apprentice lineman electrocuted when he touched a 7200V overhead powerline while attempting to transfer lines to a new utility pole. No personal protective equipment or guards used.
89-40 Service operations technician electrocuted after he contacted an energized 7680V switch while working to restore power to a shopping mall. No personal protective equipment used.
89-42 Cable TV installer electrocuted when his head contacted a 7280V overhead powerline that ran 5 feet above the roof of a house. Installing TV cable on existing utility poles at time of incident.
89-43 Foundry laborer electrocuted when a piece of scrap metal he was helping to load into a damaged electric induction furnace became energized. Current passed from scrap metal through victim through furnace frame to ground.
89-48 Truck driver electrocuted when the boom of a truck-mounted crane he was raising by remote control contacted a 14400V overhead powerline. Current passed through power cord of controller through victim to ground.
89-50 Apprentice electrician electrocuted when he apparently contacted an energized conductor in a junction box while in contact with metal gridwork. While installing light fixture at office complex under construction, victim may have inadvertently cross-wired two neutral conductors.
90-01 Three construction workers electrocuted and three others seriously burned when the mobile elevating work platform they were moving contacted a 69000V overhead powerline. Victims moved platform from location where adequate clearance existed but made contact with powerline where ground sloped upward.
90-02 Leader of tree-trimming crew electrocuted during hurricane cleanup when he contacted a downed powerline he believed to be deenergized. Electric current from portable generator operating at gas station nearby reenergized powerline.
90-03 Lineman, working at night, electrocuted during hurricane cleanup when he directly contacted a powerline dangling from a pole. Victim either did not see the line, or believed it to be deenergized.
90-04 Meter reader electrocuted when he grasped a metal clothesline energized by a downed powerline in an effort to regain his balance after tripping over a chain-link fence.
90-05 Lineman electrocuted while attaching a 2400V powerline to a pole-mounted insulator. Victim assured by supervisor that line was deenergized, but it was in fact energized by portable generator.
90-06 Lineman electrocuted when the boom of bucket of the bucket truck from which he was working rotated into an energized 4800V powerline and secondary fuse box. Victim reattaching tool basket to bucket. Basket hook caught on lever controlling boom, swinging boom into powerline.
90-08 Line technician electrocuted after his head directly contacted an energized jumper wire while restoring power after a hurricane. Victim positioned between powerlines trying to locate transmission problem.
90-09 Painter electrocuted when the aluminum extension ladder he was positioning tipped backwards and contacted a 7200V overhead powerline. Engaged in house painting.
90-10 Carpenter working from aluminum ladder jack scaffold electrocuted when a piece of aluminum drip edging he was installing on a roof contacted a 7200V overhead powerline.
90-22 Electrician electrocuted when he inexplicably switched a circuit breaker to the "on" position and contacted an energized bus bar while performing repairs at a hotel following a hurricane. Victim and co-worker assigned to clear ground fault.
90-26 Lineman electrocuted when he contacted a reenergized cutout switch on a utility pole. Had climbed back up pole to remove piece of electrical tape without putting gloves and safety belt back on. Reached for tape, boots slipped, and hand contacted switch.
90-27 Lineman electrocuted when he contacted a 7200V overhead powerline while installing a guy wire. Arm contacted an existing powerline three inches beyond an insulating line hose.
90-29 Driver of cement truck stopped truck below powerline, crane operator (not aware of truck position) swung cement bucket under line, and laborer (victim) pushed down on handle of bucket door, bringing crane cable in contact with 7200V powerline. Crew about to wash out cement bucket with water.
90-31 Laborer died from injuries suffered when the galvanized pipe he was carrying contacted an energized 12500V jumper wire at a electrical substation.
90-34 Tree trimming groundsman electrocuted when the guy wire he was grasping swayed (due to slack in the wire) and contacted an energized pole-mounted jumper wire. Victim had just finished cutting trees and brush from around guy wire, one end of which was secured to utility pole, other end to steel rod in the ground.
90-36 Concrete worker at manufacturing plant electrocuted when he climbed a steel column, stepped onto a steam pipe, and grasped a conductor that powered a wall crane. Attempting to untangle the hoist chain of an overhead crane that was caught on an I-beam.
90-37 Steelworker electrocuted when he contacted the energized casing of a toaster oven in an employee lunchroom while resting his arm on an air conditioner.
90-38 Well driller electrocuted when a metal pipe being hoisted by a truck-mounted crane made direct contact with a 12000V overhead powerline. Victim standing at side of truck using pendant remote controller. Crew engaged in repair of submersible pump for water well at private home.
90-39 Telecommunications company foreman electrocuted when he grasped the door handle of a burning truck mounted with a crane, the boom of which was in contact with a 7200V overhead powerline. Powerline contact occurred when poles supporting billboard were being pulled out of the ground.
90-40 Lineman electrocuted when he simultaneously contacted both sides of a fused powerline jumper. Working from aerial bucket repositioning powerlines after tree trimming operation.
91-01 Distribution line technician electrocuted while clearing branches from a 7200V overhead powerline he believed to be deenergized. Victim positioned in tree, co-worker heard arcing sound, and victim fell to the ground.
91-03 Tree trimming groundsman electrocuted when the boom of an aerial bucket truck with which he was in contact touched a 23000V overhead powerline.
91-05 Construction laborer electrocuted when he apparently contacted a damaged extension cord that became energized. Constructing waterfront bulkhead for residence at edge of lake.
91-08 Truck driver electrocuted when he raised the bed of his dump truck into a 7200V overhead powerline. Standing on the ground operating the lever that raised and lowered the bed.
91-10 Lineman working from aerial bucket electrocuted while restoring power after a storm. Victim grasped supply end of conductor with one hand, chain hoist in other hand contacted neutral jumper. Failure to ground energized line.
91-20 Lineman trainee electrocuted when he grasped the door handle of a pickup truck energized through a powerline on the ground that had contact with a jumper wire. Victim was apparently planning to try to move the truck.
91-21 Construction laborer electrocuted while grasping a wire rope load choker attached to a crane cable with one hand and a vertical steel rod with the other hand. Crane contacted 7200V overhead powerline. Crew engaged in placement of steel roof joist on roof of school under construction.
91-22 Laborer electrocuted while painting a section of support steel for a conveyor system at a plant under construction. Victim and co-worker failed to report receiving minor shocks from conveyor prior to incident.
91-25 Lineman working on ground operating trailer-mounted line tensioner electrocuted when the tensioner became energized. Jerking, then swaying, of new powerline caused it to contact existing 14200V powerline. Possible improper tension on new powerline, or failure of tensioner braking system.
91-28 Textile worker electrocuted when he contacted an energized conductor inside the control box of a carding machine. While inspecting malfunctioning machine, victim directed air from hose with metal nozzle into control box. Nozzle contacted conductor.
91-29 Crew foreman electrocuted when he contacted an energized conductor on a utility pole while attempting to retrieve TV cable wire tangled in overhead powerline.
91-32 Refrigeration technician performing maintenance tasks electrocuted when he contacted the improperly grounded refrigeration unit of a walk-in cooler at a restaurant.
92-01 Line mechanic electrocuted while working from an aerial bucket in hot, humid conditions to attach an energized conductor to a cross-arm-mounted insulator. Co-worker observed current arcing across a cross-arm bolt in contact with victim's chest.
92-02 Lineman electrocuted when he contacted an energized powerline while working from the bucket of an aerial bucket truck. Rubber glove caught in wire and partially pulled off, causing wrist to directly contact powerline.
92-06 Roofing mechanic trainee electrocuted when he inadvertently contacted an energized service entrance conductor on the roof of a warehouse. Incident occurred as victim stood up after kneeling on corner of roof to take measurements.
92-07 Electrical technician electrocuted when he inadvertently contacted an energized conductor inside a voltage regulating control cabinet at a new rolling mill. Victim attempting to identify voltage regulation problem, tracing wiring that was not color-coded.
92-12 Powerline worker electrocuted when he grasped an energized jumper wire he apparently believed to be deenergized. Victim impaired by marijuana, using no personal protective equipment. Assigned to repair section of lines plagued by intermittent outages.
92-16 Textile machine operator electrocuted while directing compressed air from hose with metal nozzle in an attempt to cool the electrical components inside the control panel of a sueder machine at a textile plant. Control panel left uncovered.
92-20 Electrical supervisor electrocuted at a plastic-bottle packaging plant when he contacted an energized conductor inside a control panel. Tracing wiring in control panel for a compressor motor starter without deenergizing unit.
92-24 Roofer's helper electrocuted and a co-worker injured when the metal ladder platform hoist they were positioning contacted a powerline. Moving hoist in preparation for placement of new shingles on roof of residence.
92-25 Electrician electrocuted when he contacted an energized powerline while working from an aerial bucket truck to replace cutout switches on a utility pole. No personal protective equipment used, nor were lines covered with insulating blankets or line sleeves.
92-27 Painter electrocuted when the metal ladder he was moving contacted an overhead powerline. Engaged in job site cleanup after painting exterior of private home.
92-30 Apprentice lineman electrocuted when he slipped on wet ground, allowing his unprotected upper body to fall against the utility pole he was helping to set, as the top of the pole was in contact with an overhead powerline.
93-14 Truck driver and company president electrocuted when the boom of a truck-mounted crane contacted a 7200V overhead powerline. Driver using remote control for unloading of concrete blocks at residential construction site. President attempted to assist him upon observing contact, inadvertently contacting energized truck himself.
93-18 Apprentice electrician electrocuted when he apparently lost his balance while standing on a metal ladder attached to operator's cab of an overhead crane and contacted a conductor on another overhead crane. Climbing ladder to reach second crane to perform maintenance on hoisting motor.
94-08 Department of Transportation foreman is electrocuted and a highway maintenance worker severely burned when truck bed contacts overhead 7,200-volt powerline. The dump truck containing asphalt was backed against a paving machine the men were leaning on.
94-10 Journeyman wireman electrocuted after contacting energized switch gear components at a power plant. The journeyman simultaneously contacted two 6.9 kV buss terminals.
94-17 A HVAC contractor and his employee were electrocuted while installing aluminum straps to anchor ductwork to floor joists in a crawlspace. The victim contacted an energized strap, then was grabbed by the contractor. Electrical energy flowed through both men to ground.

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