Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1258259.015 - Henkels & Mccoy, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Madison Area Office

Investigation Summary

At 4:30 p.m. on August 24, 2017, Employee #1, a foreman, and Employee #2, an apprentice power line worker, both employed by a construction company, were working at the site of a newly installed 345 kilovolt transmission tower. They were removing protective ground conductors from de-energized transmission lines. Employee #1 operated an Altec crane truck, model AC40-1525, equipped with a personnel basket. Employee #2 was working from the crane's basket and using an 8-foot 6-inch fixed length shotgun stick (also known as a hot stick) to remove the grounds. The de-energized transmission lines ran parallel to other transmission lines that were energized at 138 kilovolts. Employee #2 received an electrical shock from induced voltage, lost consciousness, and fell across the basket's handrails. Employee #1 lowered the crane boom and basket, called for emergency services, and administered CPR. Emergency services transported Employee #2 to the hospital, where he was admitted and treated for electrical burns to his right hand and abdomen. During the subsequent investigation, it was determined that the crane's basket was not insulated, and the crane truck was grounded to the same source as the transmission tower. In addition, Employee #2 was not wearing electrical protective equipment.

Keywords: Burn, Construction, Electric Shock, Electrical Work, Induced Current, PPE, Personnel Cage, Power Line Worker, Transmission Tower, Unconsciousness