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Apprentice lineman electrocuted while setting utility pole - Virginia, May 21, 1992.

NIOSH

Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, FACE 92-30, 1993 Feb; :1-6

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/face/In-house/full9230.html

00212602

A 34 year old male apprentice lineman engaged in setting a wooden utility pole was electrocuted. The victim was employed by an electrical contracting corporation employing 500 workers, 50 of whom were apprentice linemen. The victim had about 1.5 years of experience. The victim was assisting in setting up a wooden utility pole which had been raised between two phases of a 34,500 bolt overhead powerline. He was helping set the pole by steadying the butt over the hole. The ground was wet from a recent rain and the victim slipped. His unprotected upper body fell against the pole while the top contacted one phase of the powerline. The wet conditions allowed the 19,900 volt current to travel down the pole, enter his chest and exit through his right elbow. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was started immediately by a coworker, but was not successful in reviving the victim. It was recommended that consideration be given to deenergizing overhead powerlines when erecting replacement poles within existing powerline installations, that the use of redundant methods of protection be considered, and that particular attention be given to hazards which are present as a result of environmental conditions.

NIOSH-Author; FACE-92-30; Region-3; Accident-analysis; Electrical-hazards; Electrical-workers; Electric-power-transmission-lines; Safety-research; Accident-prevention; Construction-Search

19930212

Field Studies; Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation

1993

PB93-184026

A02

FACE-92-30

DSR

NAICS-23

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

VA; WV