In-depth accident analysis of electrical fatalities in the construction industry

The current study analyzed 255 electrical fatalities in the construction industry. Similar to our previous analysis of fatal falls, each electrical fatality was analyzed in terms of individual factors (age, gender, experience of the victim), task factors (performing task), environmental factors (wet area and confined space), management factors (company size measured by number of workers), source of injury, and causes for these accidents. These electrocution accidents were divided into five accident patterns: direct worker contact with an energized power line, boomed vehicle contact with an energized power line, conductive equipment contact with an energized power line, direct worker contact with energized equipment, and improperly installed or damaged equipment, to identify contributing factors for each. For each accident pattern, accident causes (failure to de-energize electrical systems, failure to maintain safe distances, improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), poor work practice, accidental contact with exposed electrical parts, defective tools and equipment, lack of effective safety devices or unsafe environment) and prevention measures (safe work practices, insulation, guarding, grounding, and electrical protective devices) were developed based on the identified common scenarios. The current classification scheme can be used as a data-collection instrument that will lead to more precise and effective interventions. Relevance to industry: The current research develops a coding system that would facilitate the categorization of fatal electrocutions in terms of the cause for electrocution, performing task, source of injury, individual factor, and company size for deriving potential risk factors and effective electrocution protection strategies. Significant accident scenarios and high-risk groups of occupational electrocution were identified based on the analysis of 255 work-related electrocution fatalities. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.