Utilities & Power Lines: Live-Wire Risks for Field Crews Fatality File

Electrical Worker Electrocuted After Contact With Energized Conductor

A 36-year-old electric utility lineman was fatally electrocuted while working from an aerial bucket truck on a 7,200-volt distribution line. The line was believed to be de-energized, but it remained live. While repositioning conductors, the worker made contact with the energized line and was exposed to lethal voltage.
The investigation identified contributing factors including:

• Failure to properly verify de-energization
• Inadequate grounding procedures
• Breakdown in communication and job hazard analysis

NIOSH recommended strict lockout/tagout verification, proper testing for voltage before contact, use of protective grounding, and reinforced training on energized line safety procedures.

Source: Stacks.cdc.gov