Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1366370.015 - River View Construction, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Appleton Area Office

Investigation Summary

At 12:30 p.m. on December 5, 2018, Employees #1 and #2, employed by a construction company, were excavating five holes for new power line poles intended to support existing power lines along a country road. They were using a Premier Oilfield Equipment CV-100T Hydrovac truck. They had completed the excavations for two poles and were preparing to dig a third hole in a ditch area, which required adding extensions to the truck's boom. Both employees were along the road, with Employee #1 operating the boom's remote control device. Employee #1 later reported that his vision was affected by the sun and the lower power line blending in with the trees when an electric arc occurred. It was unclear whether the boom came into direct contact with the power line or was in close proximity. Employee #2 sustained two electric shocks and, following the second shock, he lost consciousness and rolled into the ditch. Employee #1 was frozen in place by the electric shock but was able to use the remote control and move the boom away from the power line. Employee #1 then entered the ditch and began performing CPR on Employee #2 until emergency services arrived. The two employees were transported to the hospital. Employee #1 was held overnight for observation and then was released. Employee #2 was admitted for treatment of third degree burns to his hands and leg.

Keywords: Boom Truck, Burn, CPR, Construction, Contact, Electric Arc, Electric Shock, Energized, Excavator, Hand, Installing, Leg, Overhead Power Line, Remote Control, Unconsciousness, Utility Pole