Inspection Detail

Inspection: 306922600 - Carteret - Craven Electric Cooperative

Inspection Information - Office: Nc Department Of Labor - Raleigh

Investigation Summary

At approximately 4:40 p.m. on September 18, 2003, an employee and a coworker were responding to a verbal work order to investigate a power outage at a remote electrical distribution substation. The outage and/or probable damage to the system or structure was due to high winds from Hurricane Isabel, which had just passed through the area shortly before, with winds of approximately 50 - 60 mph. The coworker placed an extension ladder on the energized side of the superstructure, directly under the lower broken isolator and the employee climbed up to determine the extent of damage. There was an energized line sixteen inches above the employee's head when he positioned himself on the upper portions of the ladder. The employee did not reposition the ladder to the opposite side of the structure, but reached through the superstructure and placed his all metal ratchet and socket onto the bolt head. The bolts would not come loose, so he instructed coworker on the ground to retrieve a hammer from the company truck so that it could be used to loosen the attachment bolts. The employee then rearranged his position on the ladder probably to gain a better angle for the bolt removal. His left torso came into contact with the upper energized line and exited through the center chest. The employee fell backwards from the ladder approximately fifteen feet to the ground which was covered in marl. He received a scalp laceration to the right rear cranium, second and third degree burns to his torso, arms and face from burning clothing and electrically induced atrioventricular arrhythmia. The employee was pronounced at the local hospital, forty-six minutes after contact. There were electrical personal protective gloves, sleeves and insulating blankets on-site and available, but were not utilized. The energized line was not locked out or protected from. This was a repair that was not common, only rarely occurred and no job briefing was conducted prior to engaging in work.

Keywords: BURN, CHEST, HEART, PPE, ELECTROCUTED, LADDER, LOCKOUT, LACERATION, ELECTRIC SHOCK, HAND