Electrical and Arc Flash Safety » Electric Shock Incidents

Electrical Accident in Phillipines Kills One and Injures Six

Hugh Hoagland — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:55:35 +0000

One worker died and six others were hurt after a metallic bar they were holding came into contact with a high-voltage transmission wire on Dec. 7th. One worker was pronounced dead at the hospital and the others remain hospitalized.

Click here to read about electrical accident in Phillipines

Two Massachusetts Electricians Burned in Electrical Accident

Hugh Hoagland — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:51:34 +0000

On December 13, 2011 two Massachusetts electricians subcontracting at Horizon Beverage were injured by an electrical accident. Both men were working on an electrical panel and were transported to the hospital. One worker sustained 2nd degree burns to his face and the other received minor burns. The cause of the accident is under investigation. NFPA 70E requires an arc flash faceshield for most live electrical work. OSHA electrical safety requirement includes a faceshield when exposed to arc flash. This is an ignored part of OSHA law since 1991.

“1910.335(a)(1)(v)

Employees shall wear protective equipment for the eyes or face wherever there is danger of injury to the eyes or face from electric arcs or flashes or from flying objects resulting from electrical explosion.”

Click here to read more about the Massachusetts electrical accident

Kalamazoo Man Dies in Electrical Accident

Hugh Hoagland — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:40:17 +0000

A 31 year old employee of the Pulverdryer plant near Battle Creek Michigan suffered injuries due to an electrical accident and later died at the hospital. Pulverdryer is a manufacturer of technology for pulverizing and drying systems. The Michigan OSHA has opened an investigation of the accident according to the Springfield Department of Public Safety.

Click here to read more about Michigan fatal electrical accident

Arc Flash in Grocery Store in Old Lyme, CT December 08, 2011

Hugh Hoagland — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:23:29 +0000

Another grocery store arc flash. This is very sad and the lack of understanding is even worse. It was a definitely arc flash but also a possible shock. So many don’t realize the energy in 480V electrical systems in just about EVERY electrical room. Grocery stores, malls etc.

http://www.theday.com/article/20111208/NWS04/111209555/1047/nws

MSHA reports electrical fatality September 13, 2011

Hugh Hoagland — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:36:39 +0000

A 38 year old miner was killed September 13, 2011, when he opened the 480 V feeder box and began to remove the leads. He received a fatal shock. He was working at a portable sand and gravel operation. The full investigation has not yet been published.

Click here to read more about the electrical mining fatality

18 Year-Old Australian Dies in Electrical Incident in Bali

Hugh Hoagland — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:32:12 +0000

An 18 year old Australian tourist died when he came in contact with a metal pole while walking past a work site in Bali.

Click here to view a video regarding the Bali electrocution

University of Wisconsin – Madison Electrician Dies in Electrical Incident.

Hugh Hoagland — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:21:13 +0000

A UW-Madison electrician was electrocuted while working on repairs at a university building. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services investigated and cited three safety code violations related to the incident The University did not complete hazard assessments and did not train employees based on assessments. In addition, the electrician had not received training on how to deal with unexpected energizing of equipment since 2007 nor was he wearing electrically insulated gloves that he had been issued.

Click here to read more about UW-Madison Electrocution

West Virginia Coal Miner In Critical Condition Following Electrical Incident Likely Arc Ignition of Clothing

Hugh Hoagland — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:13:22 +0000

The office of Mine Health Safety and Training reports that the 43 year-old miner came in contact with an energized electrical circuit at the Silver Oak Mine in Boone County. He suffered first, second and third degree burns on his upper body and is in critical but stable condition in a burn unit. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

This is most likely a tracking arc which ignited clothing. What if most worker clothing could be arc rated or flash fire rated? Many of the worst workplace injuries and fatalities would be prevented if clothing did not ignite.

Click here to read more about the West Virginia Coal Mine Electrical Incident

Young Teen Electrocuted While Playing Hide and Seek

Hugh Hoagland — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:44:51 +0000

A 14 year-old boy was fatally shocked when he apparently touched electrical wires while hiding behind a clothes dryer and wall during game of Hide and Seek. First responers perfomed life supprt and transported him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. An investigation is underway due to the accidental electrocution.

Click here to read more about fatal accident

Virginia Beach Electrical Worker Dies While Working on Electrical Pole

Hugh Hoagland — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:44:09 +0000

A 39 year-old man was electrocuted while working on a portion of the pole he had climbed. He came in contact with a live wire and was brought down from the pole by other workers. CPR was administered at the scene, but efforts were discontinued he was pronounced dead at the scene. OSHA is investigating.

Click here to read more about Electrical Fatality