Poor Training Blamed for Washington Electrocution

Federal investigators say poor management procedures and inadequate worker training led to the electrocution of an Idaho man working at a gravel crushing plant near Colfax, Wash.

The investigation report from the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration says the DeAtley Crushing Co. failed to de-energize a generator Sept. 13 as James Hussey moved a power cable. The 38-year-old from Peck, Idaho, died at the scene near Oakesdale, in Whitman County.

The agency says the company was cited, and new procedures have been implemented to require verification that power is off before work is done on electrical equipment.