Scissor Lift Electrocution Tragedy: Two Utility Workers Killed After Contacting Power Lines

Scissor Lift Electrocution Tragedy: Two Utility Workers Killed After Contacting Power Lines

The dangers of working with heavy machinery near power lines are tragically clear. Recently, two utility workers lost their lives in a devastating accident involving a scissor lift and overhead power lines. This incident underscores the critical importance of safety protocols, proper training, and adherence to regulations when operating such equipment, especially in proximity to electrical hazards. Electrocution from overhead power lines is a major cause of accidents and fatalities on aerial and scissor lifts.

Understanding the Risks of Electrocution with Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts are commonly used in various industries, including construction, maintenance, warehousing, and facility management, to safely elevate workers to different heights. However, their use presents significant risks, particularly electrocution. Electrocution incidents involving scissor lifts often result from direct contact with live electrical components, such as overhead power lines or exposed wiring. Given their vertical reach, scissor lifts are frequently employed near electrical infrastructure, increasing the potential for accidental contact with energized sources, especially in cluttered or low-visibility environments.

Even without direct contact, electrocution can occur due to the possibility of an arc or a jump from the power line to the device. Electricity can jump across an air gap (flashover) and cause serious injury or death.

Common Causes of Scissor Lift Accidents

Several factors contribute to scissor lift accidents, including:

  • Falls: Falls are the most common cause of injury and death among lift operators, often due to instability from bad weather or uneven surfaces.
  • Tip-overs: These occur due to uneven ground, high winds, or improper positioning.
  • Crush Injuries: Workers can get caught between the platform and overhead hazards.
  • Electrocutions: Contact with power lines or electrical sources is a major hazard.
  • Falling Objects: Tools or materials falling from the lift can strike workers below.
  • Mechanical Failures: Poor maintenance can lead to equipment malfunctions.
  • Overloading: Exceeding the weight limit can cause the lift to tip or collapse.
  • Operating Instructions Ignored: Many accidents are caused by human error, such as standing on the side rails or not wearing proper safety gear.

Safety Measures and Prevention Strategies

Preventing electrocution and other scissor lift accidents requires a comprehensive approach:

  1. Risk Assessment and Planning:
    • Before starting any operation, conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential electrical hazards.
    • Plan safe routes and work zones that maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet from electrical power sources.
  2. Proper Training and Certification:
    • Ensure all scissor lift operators receive proper training and certification.
    • Training should include equipment inspection, maintenance, and safe operating procedures.
    • OSHA requires scissor lift operators to get recertified every three years.
  3. Fall Protection:
    • Scissor lifts must have undamaged guardrails to prevent falls.
    • Workers should never stand on or lean against the guardrails.
    • While OSHA doesn’t always require harnesses, it’s advisable to use them, especially if guardrails are missing or incomplete.
  4. Equipment Maintenance:
    • Regularly inspect and maintain scissor lifts to prevent mechanical failures.
    • Ensure all safety systems designed to prevent collapses are maintained and not bypassed.
  5. Safe Work Practices:
    • Follow manufacturer’s instructions for safe movement, typically prohibiting movement in an elevated position.
    • Isolate the scissor lift or implement traffic control measures to prevent other equipment from contacting it.
    • Use scissor lifts outside only when weather conditions are good, generally limiting use to wind speeds below 28 miles per hour.
  6. Electrical Safety:
    • Position scissor lifts carefully near electrified power lines to avoid electrocution, arc flash, and thermal burns.
    • Maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet from electrical power sources.
    • Ensure workers are qualified and have received the required electrical training if working near electrical sources.
    • Always assume that a power line is live, and anyone on the job site who is not directly working with the lines should stay 10 feet away from them.
  7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
    • Workers should wear appropriate PPE, including safety harnesses, hard hats, and proper footwear.
  8. Site Assessment:
    • Select work locations with firm, level surfaces away from hazards that can cause instability.
    • Implement traffic control measures around the scissor lift to prevent other workers or vehicles from getting too close.
    • Use ground guides when operating or moving the scissor lift around the workplace.

Legal Recourse After a Scissor Lift Accident

Electrocution accidents can result in high costs related to treatment and recovery from injuries, extended recovery times, and pain and suffering. In the event of a scissor lift accident resulting in injury or death, legal options may include:

  • Workers’ Compensation: Injured workers are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical expenses and lost wages, as long as the injury occurred while performing work-related tasks.
  • Third-Party Claims: If the accident was caused by the negligence of someone other than the direct employer, a personal injury lawsuit may be filed against that party. This might include a negligent contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner.
  • Product Liability Claims: If the accident was caused by a defective tool, machine, or other electrical equipment, a lawsuit may be filed against the manufacturer, distributor, or supplier of the faulty product.
  • Wrongful Death Claims: In cases where the electrocution accident results in fatal injuries, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to seek financial compensation for their loss.

The Role of OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets and enforces standards to ensure safe and healthful working conditions. OSHA investigates workplace accidents and can issue citations and penalties for violations of safety standards. Employers must comply with OSHA standards and regulations, including providing proper training, maintaining equipment, and implementing safe work practices.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Electrocution accidents can lead to severe injuries, long-term disabilities, or death. Families who have lost a loved one due to electrocution can file wrongful death lawsuits to demand compensation for their loss. If you or a loved one has been involved in a scissor lift accident, consulting with a personal injury attorney is crucial to understand your legal rights and options. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation, third-party claims, and wrongful death lawsuits, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Conclusion

The scissor lift electrocution tragedy highlights the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations and implementing comprehensive safety measures. By understanding the risks, providing proper training, and maintaining equipment, we can prevent future accidents and protect the lives of utility workers and others who rely on scissor lifts to perform their jobs.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have been injured in a scissor lift accident, you should consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.