Electrocution: Fatal Fact #17

1. Develop and maintain a safety and health program to provide guidance for safe operations (29 CFR 1926.20(b)(1)).
2. Instruct each employee on how to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions which apply to the work and work areas (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2))
3. If high voltage lines are not de-energized, visibly grounded, or protected by insulating barriers, equipment operators must maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet between their equipment and the electrical distribution or transmission lines (29 CFR 1926.550(a)(15)(i)).

Inspection Results

As a result of its investigation. OSHA issued citations for four serious violations of its construction standards dealing with training, protective equipment, and working too close to power lines.

OSHA's construction safety standards include several requirements which, If they had been followed here. might have prevented this fatality.

Sources of Help

• Ground Fault Protection on Construction Sites (OSHA 3007) which describes OSHA requirements for electrical safety at construction sites.
• Construction Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 2207) which contains all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations (1926 and 1910) covering construction
• OSHA Safety and Health Training Guidelines for Construction (available from the National Technical Information Service - Order No PB-239312/AS) comprised of a set of 15 guidelines to help construction employees establish a training program in the safe use of equipment, tools, and machinery on the job
• OSHA-funded free onsite consultation services Consult your telephone directory for the number of your local OSHA area or regional office for further assistance and advice (listed under the US Labor Department or under the state government section where states administer their own OSH programs).