Inspection Detail

Note: The following inspection has not been indicated as closed. OSHA citation items will be posted 30 (thirty) days after the employer receives the citation(s), except in cases of significant public interest. Posted citation items reflect any amendments to citations that are the result of a prompt settlement, which OSHA encourages. Employers and employee representatives will continue to receive copies of the citation(s) upon issuance.

Inspection: 1720741.015 - Sumter Utilities Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Atlanta West Area Office

Investigation Summary

On January 11, 2024, after completing a safety brief, a four-person crew proceeded the operations of removing and installing the overhead power lines onto a newly installed 95-foot long concrete utility pole. The crew consisted of a foreman, Employee #1 (lineman), Coworker #1 (heavy equipment operator), Coworker #2 (lineman), and Coworker #3 (operator). Coworker #1 was operating a derrick digger to remove the second 65-foot long concrete pole. The other 65-foot long concrete pole had been removed from the ground the day prior. Employee #1 was acting as the Groundman, directing Coworker #1. Coworkers #2 and #3 were installing the overhead power lines, utilizing an electrical utility bucket truck. The three 115 kv transmission power lines were not energized while performing these operations. At approximately 9:30 a.m., after Coworker #1 had the concrete utility pole cleared off the ground, he started to lower the pole into the ground. The boom assembly rotated towards the right, allowing the top end of the utility pole to make contact with an adjacent 46 kv overhead power line, creating an arc flash. Employee #1 was in contact with the utility pole, which had the grounding cable still attached, suffering an electrocution. Employee #1 was killed.

Keywords: Bucket Truck, Concrete Pole, Digger/Derrick, Electric Arc Flash, Electrocuted, Installing, Overhead Power Line, Power Line Worker, Removing, Utility Pole