Fatal Accident Circumstances and Epidemiology (FACE) Report: One Laborer and TwoSteel Workers Electrocuted When an Elevated Work Platform Contacts 69,000-Volt Powerline in Ohio, September 25, 1989

摘要

The cases of three construction workers who were electrocuted and three otherswho were seriously burned were examined. The accident occurred when the bottom phase of a 69,000 volt overhead powerline came in contact with a mobile elevating work platform they were moving. The company had been contracted to construct a large steel framed and aluminum sided warehouse. The victims were part of the crew assigned to install aluminum siding on the warehouse. They were using a mobile work platform to install the 3 foot by 20 foot sections of siding. The platform was mounted on inflated rubber tires. Parallel to the warehouse, and approximately 30 feet away, was the powerline. At the south end of the warehouse the line ran 34 feet off the ground. At the north end, however, one of the lines was only 27 feet above the ground. The workers may have assumed the height of the line was the same at each end of the warehouse. On moving their platform, they contacted the power line, electrocuting the three men who were in contact with the platform at the time and severely burning three others. NIOSH investigators conclude that initial jobsite surveys should be conducted to identify hazards and develop control measures, mobile platforms should be lowered before moving them, follow safety procedures regarding moving such platforms near overhead powerlines, and consult with electric utility company officials before working under or around overhead powerlines.