Update: work-related electrocutions associated with hurricane Hugo - Puerto Rico

Article Abstract:

Hurricane Hugo was a major hurricane that hit Puerto Rico on Sep 18, 1989. Injury and damage from the storm was effectively contained because of the preparation of early hurricane warning and prudent evacuations of low-lying areas. Following the storm, however, utility workers were particularly at risk from the hazards of restoring electrical power lines to the 85 percent of the island that lost power. Six males lost their lives by electrocution in separate events during the post-hurricane period; all but one were related to this repair process. The particulars of each case are described. Maintenance of electrical utilities is a hazardous occupation. These workers suffer an average electrocution rate of 33.4 per 100,000 workers per year. This is four times the rate of the next highest worker group for electrocution, electricians. The hazard is considerably greater when the work is being carried out under adverse conditions, including darkness, extreme weather conditions and lengthened work periods (such as occur after a major storm). In some cases,workers who do not normally make electrical repairs and who may be inadequately trained are pressed into service during periods of emergency. The use of portable electrical generators pose an additional hazard as workers assume the lines to be de-energized. In this study, two of the deaths were at least partially caused by the use of portable equipment. Appropriate recommendations to the power industry are made as a result of this experience with Hurricane Hugo.

Health aspects, Case studies, Risk factors, Puerto Rico, Electricity, Injuries from, Electrical injuries, Electrocution, Electrocution (Punishment)

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Medical examiner/coroner reports of deaths associated with hurricane Hugo - South Carolina

Article Abstract:

Hurricane Hugo struck the eastern coastline of the U.S. on September 21, 1989, with the area north of Charleston, South Carolina sustaining the most damage. A tidal surge of 12 to 17 feet was recorded, along with wind velocities of up to 135 m.p.h. Heavy rains and flooding also contributed to the damage that was done. A total of 35 lives were lost as a result of this storm. Twenty-nine of these deaths were considered a direct result of the hurricane and an additional six deaths were indirectly associated with Hugo. Classified by the pre-impact, impact, or post-impact phases of the hurricane, the deaths occurred as follows: no deaths were recorded in the pre-impact phase; 13 deaths occurred during the impact phase; and 22 deaths occurred in the post-impact phase. Deaths that occurred in the impact phase consisted of six drownings and the others were due to crush injuries. Sixteen of the fatalities in the post-impact phase were a result of traumatic injuries sustained during the storm. A sizable number of these deaths involved fires and were attributed to smoke inhalation or burns. Other fatalities were the result of electrocutions and falling trees. An editorial note from the CDC, Centers for Disease Control, noted that methods of prevention might be developed from this data which include educating the public about the hazards of power outages, boating during storms, risks in disaster clean-up, and the advisability of evacuating when urged to do so.

Mortality, Statistics, South Carolina, Casualties

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Pregnancy in perinatally HIV-infected adolescents and young adults -- Puerto Rico, 2002

Article Abstract:

Teenagers and young adults who were infected with HIV at birth may need special sex counseling so they won't engage in risky behavior that could transmit the virus to their baby. In the early days of the AIDS epidemic, most babies born with HIV died, but now they often live long enough to have babies of their own. This report discusses the outcome of pregnancy in eight perinatally-infected HIV patient in Puerto Rico.

Sexual behavior, HIV patients, Pregnancy

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