A 34-year-old machine worker was electrocuted during a cleanup job at the wood pellet manufacturing plant where he worked in Oregon.

He was an experienced machine operator, considered competent in running and maintaining the pellet line and related equipment. He had worked for the employer 18 years, with the last six years on the pellet packaging line.

The victim was cleaning spilled wood pellets from beneath a pellet bag sealer and its conveyor system when he was electrocuted. The metal box cover for the electrical control of the machine had fallen off, exposing the electrical controls. While shoveling, the back of his wrist contacted the exposed prongs of live conductors. He was found dead with burn marks on his hands.

Oregon Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation, sheriff’s and medical examiner’s offices investigated and made recommendations:

• Enclose electrical switchboards or motor control panels.
• Regularly inspect and maintain all electrical equipment.
• Use lockout procedures to prevent contact with energized equipment.

Source: Oregon Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program, Case Report 040R005