A firefighter in Kentucky is electrocuted after contacting an overhead power line. A factory manager dies after bypassing lockout-tagout. A landscaper in Massachusetts working from a raised portable work platform is electrocuted when a pole saw contacts an overhead power line. A California tree trimmer is electrocuted when a tree branch falls onto energized electric power lines. Two propane gas supplier workers in Washington are electrocuted when boom truck crane's boom contacts 7,200 volt overhead power line.
One of the tasks of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is to conduct investigation of fatal occupational injuries through its Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program. The primary intent of this program is to provide interested users with access to the full text of hundreds of fatality investigation reports.
NIOSH compiles state FACE reports it gets from its Cooperative State partners.
The list of occupational fatalities due to electrocution reveals the wide array of occupations and industries in which workers are exposed to electrical hazards. Below is a sampling of incidents:
2010MI069
MI
Hispanic male farm laborer electrocuted in potato field.
2010MA019
MA
Immigrant roofer electrocuted when an aluminum ladder platform hoist contacted overhead power line - Massachusetts.
2008MI037
MI
Lineman electrocuted when he contacted 7,200-volt power line.
2008MI005
MI
Roll-off container truck driver electrocuted when raised tilt frame contacted overhead line.
2008KY065
KY
Out-of-state electrician electrocuted while restoring service at a personal residence.
2008IA074
IA
Farm worker electrocuted while pressure-washing interior of swine barn.
2008CA006
CA
Laborer dies when he falls 35 feet from a scaffold after being electrocuted - California.
2006MI185
MI
Truck driver electrocuted when raised long-bed dump trailer contacted 4,800-volt overhead power line.
2006MA043
MA
Apprentice electrician electrocuted while wiring an elevator disconnect switch - Massachusetts.
2006CA008
CA
A hotel maintenance worker died from injuries received from an electrical flash.
2005MI065
MI
Hispanic brick mason electrocuted when rerod contacts powerline.
2004WA080
WA
Maintenance worker electrocuted while attempting to change a light bulb in Washington State.
2004OR005
OR
Machine operator electrocuted while shoveling pellets.
2004NJ059
NJ
Hispanic factory worker dies of burns after improperly testing a 480-volt electrical bus bar.
2004NE002
NE
Worker electrocuted in bucket truck.
2004CA004
CA
Two heavy equipment mechanics electrocuted while working on a large earth moving piece of construction equipment called a scraper.
