Donnie's Accident

Welcome! This site is meant to help promote safety awareness by sharing my experience before during and after an electrical "Arc Blast" accident. I'm not offering ‘arc flash’ education or providing safety rules or guidelines. I am simply telling what could happen if you don't follow your safety procedures. (8/12/2004), I almost lost my life in an electrical arc blast/flash accident. I consider myself a very blessed and fortunate person. A great wife and family, great friends, great doctors and many prayers enabled me to recover from an accident that has disfigured and killed many others. I recovered so well that I feel it is my duty to share my story in hopes that my experiences may help others realize the importance of following their safety procedures and proper PPE. My wife and I realize the importance of our work and will continue to share our story. Nothing gives us a better feeling of accomplishment than knowing we may have very well saved someone's life by opening their eyes to safety. The people that continue to write us and come up to us after a presentation mean the world to us! Thank you!

BE SAFE!

Donnie

CAUTION! Some images in the videos below are extremely graphic!

On August 12, 2004, I was connecting large electrical generator in preparation for Hurricane Charlie. The meter I was using failed and blew carbon into the gear and created an electrical arc which resulted in an arc blast. The electrical equipment shown in the video is the actual equipment after the explosion when my co-workers were there trying to restore power and make temporary repairs. I ended up with full thickness, 3rd degree burns to both hands and arms along with 2nd and 3rd degree burns to my neck and face. I was in a coma for two months due to numerous complications from infections and medications. During this time my family endured 4 hurricanes and the possibility of losing me. I am a husband, a father, a son and a brother, not just an electrician. It took almost two years of healing, surgeries and rehabilitation to only be able to return to work to an office job. I can't use my hands and arms as well as I once could... BUT I'M ALIVE! There are those who have had similar accidents and fared much, much worse. I use my experiences to caution others. All of this could have been avoided if I had been wearing my personal protection equipment (PPE), which I was fully trained to do and was in my work van. I would have probably only gone to the hospital for a checkup! I am asking you to protect yourself by following your safety procedures. Accidents at work not only affect you; think about the effects on your family, your friends, your finances, your company, your co-workers… your entire world. Most of these injuries can be prevented by following the safety rules your company probably have in place. Most of these rules were put in place because of accidents like mine. Be safe, wear your PPE; not for fear of fines, penalties or getting fired. Be safe for yourself and for all the people close to you. I got a second chance... You might not!!!!!!

You can read a more in-depth account of my accident on the "Full Story" page.

I'm hoping my video and story helps with your safety programs and safety awareness. Please feel free to download a copy of the "Donnie's Accident 2013", "Donnie's Story", "Donnie's Accident Original" and/or the "Donnie's Accident Instrumental" video for your safety program.

BE SAFE,

Donnie

You can contact me through E-mail, Facebook or the comments forum below.

Click to email Donnie: Donnie's E-mail