Arc Flash Accident / Injury
Journey Lineman was attempting to install a glass meter cover on a 480V meter base that was energized. As he was trying to install the metal ring, the cover slipped and the ring went into the hub making contact with the energized meter lugs causing a flash which resulted in the lineman receiving burns to both hands.
The lineman did not have his rubber gloves on while working on the energized meter base which contributed to the seriousness of his injuries.
Making sure the meter base was de-energized before attempting to install the cover should have been a specific part of the work plan. Attempting to work on the meter base while energized puts the crew at unnecessary risk and this should have been addressed in the work plan.
Line Truck Rollover
Lineman was driving a line truck on a pasture trail road, the line truck was the lead truck to the pole when he crested the hill and began the down slope. He touched the brakes that started the truck sliding on the muddy road and never regained control. The slope of the hill changed and he started sliding sideways to the right at a steep angle. The truck hit a bump in the hill that made it hesitate enough to start the truck rolling over. It kept rolling until it landed against a tree at the bottom of the ravine. The driver was not seriously injured and returned to the crew later that day.