NIOSH • 1000 Frederick Lane, Morgantown, WV 26508 • 304-285-5916

FACE IT: Report Visual Extension
Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program

2

City Electric Maintenance Worker Electrocuted 

While Installing Lines for Security Cameras –

Ohio (FACE 2019-01) 

Freightliner M2 Aerial Lift Boom Truck

(Photo courtesy of the City)
Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program

3

SUMMARY 

• A 48-year-old city electric 

maintenance worker was 

electrocuted, while 

installing lines for security 

cameras along a 

residential area cul-de-sac 

• The electric maintenance 

worker got in the basket 

and raised it to begin 

pulling some triplex 

service wire and installing 

it on the security pole Position of bucket truck in cul-de-sac at the time 

of the incident. (Photo courtesy of the City)
Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program

4

SUMMARY • It is believed the 

worker did not 

realize his 

proximity to the 

power lines while 

performing this 

task and 

contacted his 

right shoulder 

with the 

energized power 

line

Drawing of incident location. 
Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program

5

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

• Proximity to energized power lines

• Placement of bucket truck and pole

• Lack of lone/remote worker assignment safety assessment 

• Lack of hazard identification and situational awareness

• Non-typical job task 

• Lack of safety standard operating procedures 

• Lack of appropriate PPE

• Lack of training 
Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program

6

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Employers should:

• Determine 

appropriate safety 

distances while 

working near electrical 

power line hazards

• Develop, implement, 

and train on hazards, 

safety, and 

communication plans 

for lone workers

Lighting poles along street 

(Photo courtesy of the Public Employment Risk Reduction Program)
Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program

7

• Employers should:

• Provide competent and 

qualified person training 

to enable workers in 

high-risk occupations to 

assess routine and nonroutine job tasks for job 

site hazards to 

determine appropriate 

safety precautions and 

PPE 

RECOMMENDATIONS (Continued)

New camera pole at end of cul-de-sac 

(Photo courtesy of the Public Employment Risk Reduction Program)
Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program

8

• Employers should:

• Implement pre-work hazard identification with corrective 

action/peer-check, self-check and daily safety talks that 

address hazard recognition and avoidance of unsafe 

conditions

• Develop periodic and regular testing, inspection and 

maintenance of elevated work platforms 

• Train and evaluate employees on the selection, inspection, 

and safe operation of elevated bucket trucks 

• Identify and establish safe work practices such as 

lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures 

RECOMMENDATIONS (Continued)
Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program

9

City Electric 

Maintenance Worker 

Electrocuted While 

Installing Lines for 

Security Cameras – Ohio 

(FACE 2019-01)

Download the full report: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/face/pdfs/full201901.pdf
Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program

10

CONTACT US

Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation 

Surveillance and Field Investigations Branch

Division of Safety Research, NIOSH

1000 Frederick Lane, M/S 1808

Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-2888

FACE Web Site: www.cdc.gov/niosh/face/ 

Follow FACE on Twitter @NIOSHFACE