Youth Falls From Ladder
While Changing Lightbulb

A 17-year-old retail outlet worker died after falling 18 feet from a fiberglass extension ladder while changing a 400 watt, 280 volt metal halide lightbulb, a very common light fixture. The department manager had attempted to change the bulb without success just minutes before, then told workers to change it later with a forklift. The youth persisted and repositioned the ladder attempting to change the bulb himself. He lost his balance on top the ladder, or was electrically shocked, and fell head first to the tiled concrete floor below. He received massive head injuries and died enroute to the hospital.

Ceiling light fixtures hung from chains, therefore changing bulbs was normally a two-handed job using a forklift with a pallet on the forks. This light fixture was still energized at the time of the accident and it is possible the youth was shocked prior to the fall. This type of bulb has two electric
circuits, and it is possible that a non-functioning bulb may retain the potential for a completed circuit, and could shock a worker in certain situations. This could happen if the bulb was sufficiently loose, he was touching the conductive collar, and he was grounded elsewhere on his body. The youth was laying across an iron sprinkler pipe which could have served as grounding.

#1 Employers should establish safe procedures for changing lightbulbs at high elevations

--Qualified and trained workers should use an approved aerial platform and fall-protective gear.

--Before changing lightbulbs, light fixtures must be de-energized!

--Work lights, testing equipment, and special tools for loosening bulbs should be provided.

• Each store now uses a light-changing pole which allows bulbs to be changed from the floor.
• This tool has an adjustable basket that grabs the lightbulb.
• The added convenience and safety of this device are very important factors.

#2 Workers should follow safe work procedures, not attempting to perform unassigned work duties.

--The youth’s determination was commendable, yet he was unaware of the electrical danger.

--If someone was assisting him, they may have prevented the fall or lessened it’s severity.