Fatal Accident Circumstances and Epidemiology (FACE) Report: Concrete Worker Electrocuted After Grabbing an Energized 440-Volt Conductor in Virginia, July 16, 1990.

摘要

A 21 year old male concrete worker was electrocuted at a precast concrete manufacturing facility when he climbed a steel column, stepped onto a steam pipe, and grabbed one phase of an energized three phase 440 volt conductor that supplied electrical power to a wall crane. The employer was a manufacturer of precast concrete structures. On the day of the incident, the victim and two coworkers had just completed the form work for a box culvert. The victim and a coworker discussed moving the box culvert to the next work area. As the victim moved the overhead crane to assist in the move, two hoist cables became tangled around an I-beam supporting the runway of the wall crane. The victim dislodged one chain but then climbed a steel support column to free the other by hand. He stepped onto a steam pipe about 16 feet above the ground. He apparently reached out and grabbed the energized conductor. The current passed through the victim to the steel column; he screamed, and then fell to the ground. The cause of death was electrocution. It is recommended that crane runway conductors be guarded to reduce the likelihood of contact; that warning signs be affixed; that workers follow crane manufacturer recommendations regarding the operation of overhead cranes; and that a comprehensive safety program be developed and implemented.