Table of Contents

Introduction

Many American workers are exposed to electrical energy daily during the performance of their tasks. This monograph highlights the magnitude of the problem of occupational electrocutions in the U.S., identifies potential risk factors for fatal injury, and provides recommendations for developing effective safety programs to reduce the risk of electrocution.

This monograph summarizes surveillance data and investigative reports of fatal incidents involving workers who contacted energized electrical conductors or equipment. The surveillance data werederived from the National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities (NTOF) surveillance system maintained by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The NTOF data are based on death certificates of workers 16 years or older who died from a traumatic injury in the workplace. The fatality investigations were conducted as part of the NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) program. FACE is a research program for the identification and investigation of fatal occupational injuries. The goal of the FACE program is to collect information on factors that may have contributed to traumatic occupational fatalities using an epidemiologic approach, and to develop and disseminate recommendations for preventing similar events in the future.

Based on the NTOF surveillance data for the period from 1980 through 1992, 5,348 workers died from contact with electrical energy (an average of 411 deaths per year). Electrocutions were the fifth leading cause of death, accounting for 7% of all workplace fatalities. In the 12 year period from 1982 through 1994, NIOSH investigated 224 electrocution incidents which resulted in 244 worker fatalities.

Part I of this monograph provides: an overview of electrical hazards, including the effects of electrical energy on the human body; a comprehensive summary of the epidemiology of occupational electrocutions based on NTOF and FACE data which identifies common risk factors for fatal injury due to contact with electrical energy; and recommendations for elements of an effective electrical safety program for the prevention of workplace electrocutions. Part II includes a summary abstract for all 224 FACE electrocution investigative reports prepared by NIOSH for further information and reference.

Our hope is that this monograph will serve as a valuable resource for safety and public health professionals, safety and health trainers, researchers, and others who can affect the prevention of occupational electrocutions.

Nancy A. Stout, Ed.D.

Public Health Summary

What are the hazards?

Based on data from the NIOSH National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities (NTOF) surveillance system, electrocutions were the fifth leading cause of death from 1980 through 1992. The 5,348 deaths caused by electrocutions accounted for 7% of all fatalities and an average of 411 deaths per year.

How can a worker be exposed or put at risk?

Electricity is present at most jobsite's, and many American workers, regardless of industry or occupation, are exposed to electrical energy daily during the performance of their tasks. These hazardous exposures may exist through contact with an object as seemingly innocuous as a broken light bulb to an energized overhead powerline.

What recommendations has the federal government made to protect workers' health?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addresses electrical safety in Subpart S 29 CFR 1910.302 through 1910.399 of the General Industry Safety and Health Standards. The standards contain requirements that apply to all electrical installations and utilization equipment, regardless of when they were designed or installed. Subpart K of 29 CFR 1926.402 through 1926.408 of the OSHA construction safety and health standards contain installation safety requirements for electrical equipment and installations used to provide electric power and light at the jobsite. These sections apply to both temporary and permanent installations used on the jobsite. Additionally, the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) comprehensively address electrical safety regulations. NIOSH recommendations focusing on prevention are included in this Technical Document.

Where can more information be found?

The references at the end of this document provide a useful inventory of published reports and literature. Additional information from NIOSH can be obtained by calling 1–800–35–NIOSH (1–800–356–4674) or or visit the NIOSH Web site at www.cdc.gov/niosh/.

Table and Figures

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express our gratitude to the following people for their contributions in the development of this Electrocution Monograph:

Disclaimer

Mention of any company name or product does not constitute endorsement by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

This document is in the public domain and may be freely copied or reprinted.

To receive documents or other information about occupational safety and health topics, contact NIOSH at

NIOSH—Publications Dissemination
4676 Columbia Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45226–1998

Telephone: 1–800–35–NIOSH (1–800–356–4674)
Fax: 513–533–8573
E-mail: pubstaft@cdc.gov

or visit the NIOSH Web site at www.cdc.gov/niosh/

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-131

May 1998