Accident Report Detail

Accident Summary Nr: 200515898 - Worker Contacts Electrical Line and Is Electrocuted

Accident Summary Nr: 200515898 -- Report ID: 0552700 -- Event Date: 08/22/2013
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
317292829	08/23/2013	1761	238170	Coppersmith Gutter Company Llc

Abstract: On August 22, 2013, Employee #1 and Coworker #1, employed by Coppersmith Gutter Company LLC, were working at a residential building. They were installing a steel downspout. According to Coworker #1's statement during the subsequent investigation, Employee #1 was attempting to angle the downspout around the electrical lines going into the house. Employee #1 was working from a Werner aluminum extension ladder that had been positioned with rubber caps above the window, under the soffit. The feet of the ladder were on the grass, north of the adjacent wood patio. Coworker #1 stated he heard a moan from Employee #1 and found Employee #1 slumped against the electrical wiring and still in contact with the aluminum ladder. Coworker #1, using the sole of his shoe, kicked the ladder out from under Employee #1 in an attempt to disconnect him from the electrical current. Employee #1 fell to the ground. According to Coworker #1, the ladder was not in contact with the electrical line. Employee #1 was electrocuted. This fatality was investigated by Minnesota OSHA. The subsequent Medical Examiner's report listed electrocution as the immediate cause of death.

Keywords: RAIN SPOUT, EXTENSION LADDER, INSTALLING, ELECTRIC CABLE, ELECTROCUTED, LADDER, CONSTRUCTION, METAL LADDER, ELECTRIC SHOCK

Accident Details
End Use		Project Type		Project Cost	Stories	Non-building Height	Fatality
Single family or duplex dwelling		Alteration or rehabilitation		Under $50,000	2		X

Employee Details
Employee #	Inspection Nr	Age	Sex	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation	Construction
1	317292829			Fatality	Electric Shock	Construction trades, n.e.c.	Distance of Fall: feet Worker Height Above Ground/Floor: feet Cause: Other Activities-Post Decking Detail Work Fatality Cause: Electrocution by touching exposed wire/source

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