Case Study
Five workers were constructing a chain-link fence in front of a house, directly below a 7,200-volt energized power line.
As they prepared to install 21-foot sections of metal top rail on the fence, one of the workers picked up a section of rail and held it up vertically. The rail contacted the 7,200-volt line, and the worker was electrocuted. Following inspection, OSHA determined that the employee who was killed never received any safety training from his employer and no specific instruction on how to avoid the hazards associated with overhead power lines.
In this case, the company failed to obey these regulations:
- Employers must train their workers to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions on the job.
- Employers must not allow their workers to work near any part of an electrical circuit UNLESS the circuit is de-energized (shut off) and grounded, guarded in such a way that it cannot be contacted.
- Ground-fault protection must be provided at construction sites to guard against electrical shock.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-4. What must be provided at construction sites to guard against electrical shock?
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