Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Nebraska: Farmer Electrocuted Exiting Grain Bin

摘要

A 43-year-old farmer was killed when he was electrocuted while exiting a metal grain bin. The victim had been scooping shelled corn into a portable electric auger, which moved the corn outside to another auger powered by a power-take-off (PTO) shaft from a tractor, dumping it into a grain truck. A loose wire inside the portable auger's electric motor caused the metal auger housing which laid across the bin's access door frame to become energized. When the victim grabbed hold of the frame and stepped backward out of the bin, his foot made contact with the ground, creating a completed circuit, causing the electrocution. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The Nebraska Workforce Development, Department of Labor's Investigator concluded that to help prevent future similar occurrences, farmers should: (1) Ensure all electrical wiring and fixtures, both permanent and temporary are in good repair. (2) Ensure that all electrical wiring and fixtures (outlets, extension cords, pull boxes) are of the type best suited for the environment in which they will be used. (3) Ensure that adequate means of grounding are provided for all structures and equipment. (4) Consider installing either permanent or portable Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).