Need a policy because of a recent regulatory change? We’ve got it for you. Need some quick training on a specific HR topic? We’ve got it for you. HR Insider provides the resources you need to craft, implement and monitor policies with confidence. Our team of experts (which includes lawyers, analysts and HR professionals) keep track of complex legislation, pending changes, new interpretations and evolving case law to provide you with the policies and procedures to keep you ahead of problems. FIND OUT MORE...
Defective Appliance Gives Fatal Shock

An appliance repairman was electrocuted when he was testing a defective washing machine.

He was running the machine to determine the problem before attempting repairs. He had one hand on the control dial and the other hand on a water faucet at a sink next to the machine. It appears the wiring in the washing machine had been damaged during an earlier attempt at repairs. This defect in the wiring caused the control dial to be energized. Touching the faucet provided a path to ground, electrocuting the repairman.

Never attempt electrical repairs of your own appliances. It is a job for the experts. But in this case, expertise did not save the person involved. Electrical testing tools should have been used to test for electrical leakage and the possibility of parts of the machinery being energized.