Worker dies after wet hands touch live wire
ESKOM has appealed to members of the public to use electricity with caution after a domestic worker in Gxulu Village near Libode was killed after coming into contact with electricity while operating a washing machine.
According to a statement issued by Eskom’s national office yesterday, the woman, who was using the washing machine for the first time at that household, was operating the machine outside the house on wet grass. The machine was connected to an extension cord and the woman touched its exposed wires with wet hands.
The spokeswoman for Eskom in the province, Ntombekhaya Mafumbatha, said the national office’s safety department issued this statement on the incident that happened a few months ago to remind members of the public to be extra cautious when dealing with electrical appliances.
According to Mafumbatha there were sub-standard plugs for both the washing machine and the extension cord.
“With water being a good conductor of electricity, the deceased made the mistake of touching the exposed wires with her wet hands, which shocked her,” said Mafumbatha.
Eskom corporate occupational health and safety manager, Alex Stramrood, said the path of the electrical current through the body, as well as the resistance offered, determined the severity of the shock.
“Touching a live electrical part with your hand while you are ‘grounded’ will cause the electrical current to pass across your chest, possibly injuring your heart and lungs. This was likely the case with the victim.
“We always encourage everyone to be vigilant and beware of any dangers around electricity, especially when barefoot, or when their hands or feet are wet. Any contact with live electricity will lead to a shock, electrocution and possible death.
“Unfortunate incidents like this fatal accident are amongst some of the devastating results of when electricity escapes its insulation. It’s crucial that everyone understands how electricity works to help reduce its danger as a powerful force,” said Stramrood. —