Inspection Detail

Inspection: 300041712 - Lea County Electric Coop

Inspection Information - Office: State Of New Mexico Environment Department Occupational Health & Safety Bureau

Inspection Nr: 300041712

Report ID: 0653510

Date Opened: 08/13/1996

Site Address:
Lea County Electric Coop
Country Club Road, Ne4 11-16s36e
Lovington, NM 88260

Mailing Address:
18 W. Washington, Lovington, NM 88260

Union Status: NonUnion

SIC:4911

NAICS: 0

Inspection Type: Accident

Scope: Complete

Advanced Notice: N

Ownership: Private

Safety/Health: Safety

Close Conference: 09/19/1996

Planning Guide: Safety-Manufacturing

Emphasis:

Case Closed: 09/30/1996

Related Activity
Type	Activity Nr	Safety	Health
Accident	361805807

Investigation Summary

Investigation Nr: 200040046

Event: 08/08/1996

ELECTRIC SHOCK - CONTACT WITH OVERHEAD LINE

A severe thunderstorm deposited about 1.5 inches of rain on an area. More than 50 bolts of lightning struck the ground, causing the main circuit for the area to open. A power line worker and an apprentice power line worker were dispatched to the area to determine the extent of damage to a downed overhead power line. About 2 hours and 20 minutes later, the utility plant received a telephone call from a resident near the downed power line, who said that two workers were down in a pasture near his home. The two employees were found lying in a field in about 5 inches of standing water. Apparently, they were either struck by lightning or electrocuted by the downed power line.

Keywords: OVERHEAD POWER LINE, ELECTRICAL, POWER LINE WORKER, ELECTROCUTED, LIGHTNING, E PTD, ELEC UTILITY WORK, WATER

Investigated Inspection
#	Inspection	Age	Sex	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	300041712			Fatality	Other	Electrical power installers and repairers
2	300041712			Fatality	Other	Electricians' apprentices

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