ELECTRICAL BURN INJURIES OF WORKERS USING PORTABLE ALUMINUM LADDERS NEAR OVERHEAD POWER-LINES

The use of aluminium ladders around high voltage power lines has resul ted in a significant number of electrical injuries and electrocutions. Workers often misjudge wire distances or lose control of fully extend ed ladders, thereby exposing themselves to electrocution hazard. High- voltage electrical burns of two workers using an aluminium ladder that contacted a high voltage power line are reported The circumstances su rrounding the injury, the clinical management of the case, and the met hods of prevention are presented and discussed.