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Tree-care Worker Electrocuted While Trimming Branch Near Power Line
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2016/02/05
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Description:A 39-year-old male tree-care worker was electrocuted after his power pole saw made contact with a 7,200-volt primary transmission line. The incident occurred on a residential property in southern NJ. On the day of the incident, the victim (who was also the company owner) and two coworkers, functioning as ground crew were trimming a large maple tree. The victim, working from an aluminum extension ladder approximately 30 feet up in the tree, was using an extendable power pole saw (or stick saw) trimmer to cut branches adjacent to power lines. As the victim was preparing to cut a branch, the power pole saw contacted the power line. The current passed through him and went to ground via the ladder. He remained motionless for about 15 seconds, and then fell from the ladder. One of the ground crewmen attempted to catch the victim, and sustained a broken leg. The victim died 31 hours later; cause of death was high voltage electrocution. Contributing Factors: 1. Working in close proximity to overhead high voltage lines. 2. High voltage lines were energized throughout job. 3. The power pole saw was "drop started" (simultaneously pulling start cord while dropping saw). 4. Use of aluminum ladder in close proximity to high voltage lines. NJ FACE investigators recommend that these safety guidelines be followed to prevent similar incidents: 1. When working near overhead lines, the lines should be de-energized and grounded. 2. When working near any electrical hazard, ladders should be made of a non-conductive material. 3. Any tree-care worker that intends to cut, trim, or prune trees within 10 feet of energized power lines should have appropriate training and certification for line-clearance tree trimming. 4. A safety and health plan based on a job hazard analysis should be developed by the employer and followed where workers are assigned tasks.
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NIOSHTIC Number:20048549
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NTIS Accession Number:PB2016-104780
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Citation:Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, FACE 13NJ074, 2016 Feb; :1-11
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Federal Fiscal Year:2016
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Performing Organization:New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
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Peer Reviewed:False
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Start Date:2005/07/01
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Source Full Name:National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
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End Date:2026/06/30
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