A detailed investigation of an electrical shock and burn injury

Abstract

Even with appropriate lockouts in place for the job being done, a fully trained and qualified electrician received a severe electrical shock, third degree burns and lacerations when he made contact with an energized 480 volt cable lug attached to a circuit breaker terminal. Although he had to be hospitalized for two days, the electrician survived and was able to contribute to the incident investigation. The investigation showed that a variety of deficiencies, related to electrical safety, combined to allow the injury to occur. This paper describes the results of the detailed investigation of the incident and identifies the variety of accident contributors, which, had they been recognized and addressed, might have prevented the injury. These potential contributors are items that should be addressed in everyone's electrical safety program.