Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Indiana: Laborer Electrocuted While Attempting to Change a Fuse in a Fuse Box Providing Power to a Fertilizer Mixer/Loader.

摘要

A 22-year-old male employee of a feed and grain mill was loading dry fertilizer from an electrically powered mixer/loader into a truck when the auger and conveyer belt suddenly stopped. Evidence suggests, he then attempted to change a fuse in a fuse box located on the side of the building directly behind the loader and five feet above the wet and muddy ground. Indications were the 440-volt AC panel was not de-energized and the decedent received a fatal electrical shock. On May 3, 1994, a 22-year-old male employee of a feed and grain mill was electrocuted attempting to change a fuse in an unmarked 440-volt AC fuse box. The decedent was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officials of the Indiana Department of Labor (IOSHA) were notified May 4, 1994, and a preliminary investigation was done. Officials of the Indiana State Department of Health FACE Program were notified May 12, 1994. A phone call by the FACE investigator to the employer established that an investigation would be conducted May 13, 1994. The feed and grain mill where the incident occurred is located in a rural area of Indiana. The employer has been in the business for fourteen years, including the last five years as owner and manager. The decedent was employed at the grain mill for four years (two years part-time followed by two years full-time). Recommendations and Discussion: (1) Employers should conduct a jobsite survey before starting any work to identify any hazards, implement appropriate control measures and provide subsequent training to employees specific to all identified hazards; (2) Employers should develop, implement and enforce a comprehensive written safety program; (3) Employers should provide additional electrical safety training to those workers working with or around electrical current, including proper rescue procedures.