A comparison of electrical utilities to determine root causes of increasing electrical contact accidents.

Abstract

This study compared a representative sampling of utilities across the state of Tennessee to identify trends which might account for increasing electrical contact accidents by linemen. The results did not show that the use of a working foreman (a foreman who not only supervises the job but actively participates in the work) increased susceptibility to accidents. The results did indicate a need for structured apprentice training, supervisory training for foremen and a need for a formally adopted safety policy. There was no indication that geography has any part in accident rate. The ratio of experienced linemen per crew did seem to have an effect. There was only one contact accident reported from a crew with no apprentices. It also became obvious that the degree of involvement by management was paramount to safety.