Workplace electrocution has lasting effect on Pincher Creek man
By JEFF WIEBE
May 2, 2008

On March 18, 2003, a workplace accident change Vaughn Webb’s life forever.
While performing electrical work north of Pincher Creek, Webb came into contact with a power line, sending thousands of volts of electricity shooting through his body. The accident forced doctors to amputate his left arm and leg, and caused third-degree burns to 70 per cent of his body. He had been told by his boss the work he was performing was completely safe.
Webb now travels the province speaking about the importance of workplace safety and hazard assessments and he brought his message to the University of Lethbridge on Thursday, as part of North American Occupational Health and Safety Week.
“A lot of people rely on their bosses or supervisors to ensure their job is safe. I want to tell workers they can’t rely on others for that, they need to look after themselves,” said Webb.
“You have to look out for number one. If you don’t, you could end up in the same situation I’m in,” he added.
The accident also had a tremendous impact on Webb’s family. His second daughter was scheduled to be born the day of the accident, but ended up being delivered eight days later, as Webb was being pulled out of a drug-induced coma in the hospital’s intensive care unit. He spent four months in the hospital’s burn unit, before being moved to Calgary for five months of physical therapy. Not wanting to disrupt his oldest daughter’s schooling, Webb and his wife left the five-year-old with her grandparents in Pincher Creek for the duration of their stay in Calgary.
“It was really hard for her, being separated from her mom and dad,” explained Webb, recalling it was extremely difficult when his daughter saw him for the first time after the accident.
“She had been told what had happened to me, but there’s no way to prepare a five-year-old for that.”
Webb believes accidents like his can be avoided with proper training and responsibility.
“Employers need to have their employees trained for all the jobs they’re doing, and train them frequently, because people become complacent after awhile.”
Webb said he’ll continue to bring his message of safety to people throughout western Canada, and noted he’d like to try his hand at motivational speaking as well.
“I want to go all over, and talk to as many people as I can.”

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