The case of a 49-year-old male journeyman electrician who was electrocuted when he contacted an energized light socket containing a broken light bulb was examined. The victim was employed by a multistate tobacco manufacturing and production corporation which had a formal safety program with written policies. He and a coworker were the two electricians with the company. He had worked for the company for the past 31 years and served as facility electrician for the past 12 years. He was tracing electrical conduit in a 5-foot high crawl space between the first and second floors of one of the older buildings at the site. Lighting in the crawl space was provided by unguarded light bulbs in ceramic sockets hanging from the ceiling. He had been working in the space for several hours and was on his way out when he was seen to straighten up slightly and stretch. His left shoulder contacted a broken light bulb in one of the ceiling sockets and the top of his head contacted a steel water pipe. He immediately collapsed and was pronounced dead 45 minutes later. It is recommended that all work areas be periodically inspected to identify hazards. Light fixtures in service areas should have guards installed. Workers should be made aware of the need to immediately correct damage to electrical devices.
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