An Ocala Utility Services lineman was electrocuted and later died after working to repair an electric transformer near the Weeks Auction Co., located at 4851 West S.R. 40 in Ocala.
Co-workers at the scene of the fatal FL work accident told Ocala.com that they had been summoned to the area in response to a power outage. After investigating, they discovered an electric transformer needed replacing and ordered a new one.
While waiting for the new transformer, the stricken worker, who was working from a bucket truck, removed the old transformer. When the new one arrived, he began connecting it.
According to co-workers, they thought the power to the pole had been shut off, but when the utility line worker began to connect the transformer, they saw a flash, heard a noise, and the victim slumped over in the bucket. They immediately lowered the bucket and called for emergency medical personnel.
Although he had still been breathing when he was brought down from the bucket, the worker was pronounced dead at Munroe Regional Hospital.
The victim’s wife said that her husband had been working on a job until 1 a.m. and was called back to work at 7 a.m. An Ocala city spokesman said that protocol calls for eight hours of rest if a crew works past 1:30 am. Since the victim only worked until 1 a.m., the rest provision did not kick in.
The incident is still being investigated.
The Ocala workers’ compensation attorneys at Farah & Farah offer sincere condolences to the family of the stricken utility line worker. Victims of workplace injury and families of those killed on the job need answers and they need to see that their legal rights are protected. We will look after your family’s welfare in a time of need when an injury has sidelined you. Call us at (800) 533-3555 today.
