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Two construction workers electrocuted when crane contacts one phase of a 13.4 kv system in Tennessee, June 26, 1985.

NIOSH

Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, FACE 85-29, 1985 Jul; :1-5

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/face/In-house/full8529.html

00198526

On June 26, 1985, two construction workers were electrocuted and two were injured when the crane lifting a steel bucket of concrete came in contact with a 13.4 kilovolt distribution line. The workers were employed by a construction, engineering, and development firm that was constructing a department store at the same time that a three phase 13.4 kilovolt distribution line was being installed. Three construction workers were in an 8 foot deep excavation pouring concrete for a footer. Two workers were holding the bucket in position, while the third worker was grasping the bucket's release handle. The crane operator heard a loud pop, and then saw the workers lying in the ditch. The crane operator move the crane away from the power lines, and then he and other workers administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Two of the workers were later pronounced dead, and the third worker (who was wearing rubber boots) suffered severe electrical burns. It is recommended that employers should enforce existing regulations concerning crane operations in the vicinity of overhead power lines and that utilities should notify property owners or contractors who may be affected by the energization of a newly installed distribution system, that the system has indeed been energized.

NIOSH-Author; Region-4; FACE-85-29; Electrical-hazards; Electrical-shock; Construction-industry; Construction-workers; Accident-analysis; Safety-practices; Electric-power-transmission-lines; Construction-Search

19850702

Field Studies; Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation

1985

PB91-197731

A01

FACE-85-29

DSR

NAICS-23

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

TN; WV