BACKGROUND: A logger was trimming knots from pine plylogs loaded on a log trailer one autumn afternoon in the South. The trailer was parked underneath a live 115,000-volt electric power line. The power line was 18 feet above the ground.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: The logger was a trained, experienced sawhand. The log truck driver was also trained and experienced.
UNSAFE ACT OR CONDITION: Despite specific instructions to the entire crew from the logging contractor to avoid parking log trucks under the power line, the truck driver parked his loaded log truck under the power line to secure the load with binders. The sawhand began trimming the logs while the driver started to bind the load with the combination chain and cable binding secured to a hand reel on the side of the trailer. While the sawhand was trimming, the driver threw the binder chains and cable over the power line.
ACCIDENT: Seeing that the metal binding was going to contact the power line, the driver shouted a warning to the sawhand. The chain saw noise prevented the sawhand from hearing the warning. The metal binding swung over the power line and contacted the metal trailer. The electric current arced from the trailer to the sawhand.
INJURY: The sawhand was killed instantly. The truck burst into flames, consuming the truck, trailer, and logs.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORRECTION: Maintain all operations a safe operating distance (at least 50 feet) from power lines. Do not park any vehicle or machine underneath live power lines. Contact the power company if hazardous situations cannot be eliminated.
Crew members and truck drivers should not swing load binders over a load until they have confirmed nobody is on or near the trailer. Loggers and drivers should not trim logs on a trailer while another crew member is slinging binders over the log load. Crew members must communicate with each other at all times.
Consider replacing metal binding chains with nylon binding straps. Logging company safety training programs should include safe operation near power lines. Most importantly, professional loggers and log truck drivers must exercise common sense and good judgment as they perform their work!
Courtesy of the Forest Resources Association: https://www.forestresources.org/