Fatal Accident Circumstances and Epidemiology (FACE) Report: Two Electrocuted on Farm in Georgia

AUTHOR ABSTRACT

A fatal accident circumstances and epidemiology (FACE) report describing an accident involving electrocutions in Georgia was presented. The report was part of the NIOSH FACE project to collect data on electricity or confined space/related accidents involving fatalities. On October 14, 1985, five farm workers were in the process of moving a portable grain auger when it contacted a 7,200 Volt power line. Two workmen, 30 and 39 years old, were electrocuted and the other three were injured. The three workers who survived the incident were wearing new rubber sole shoes. The two workmen who were killed were wearing leather shoes in poor condition. No autopsies were performed. The cause of death of both victims was listed as electrocution. The farm operator had no written safety policy. Safety was left up to the common sense of the farm workers. The author recommends that employers identify safety hazards that may be encountered on the farm and emphasize safe movement of farm equipment, especially when moving it under power lines.

SOURCE AND NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE ID#

SOURCE: Morgantown, West Virginia: National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health; 1985. 5.

NLOM ID#: No ID#.