Brazilian Universities Lead Breakthrough in Electrical Safety Research at Global Forum

The IEEE Electrical Safety Workshop (ESW) 2026, held March 9-13 in Round Rock, Texas, drew nearly 600 professionals from 14 countries to discuss advancements in electrical safety. Among the highlights was a paper from Brazilian researchers titled "Analysis of a Fatal Electrical Accident in a Medium-Voltage Network: Case Study and Prevention Proposals." This study, presented by a multidisciplinary team from Brazil's higher education institutions, garnered significant attention for its rigorous analysis and practical recommendations.

The presentation underscored the growing international recognition of Brazilian expertise in electrical engineering safety, particularly from public universities tackling real-world challenges in power distribution networks. This achievement not only elevates the profile of involved institutions but also contributes to global standards for preventing workplace fatalities.

Collaborative Team from UFMT, USP, and Politec-MT

The research was a collaborative effort involving the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), the Institute of Energy and Environment at the University of São Paulo (IEE-USP), and the Official Expertise and Technical Identification of Mato Grosso (Politec-MT). Lead authors include Dr. Danilo Ferreira de Souza and Dr. Felipe Proença de Albuquerque from UFMT's Electrical Engineering department, Dr. Miltom Shigihara from IEE-USP, Me. Newton Rodrigues do Nascimento from Politec-MT, and B.S. student Iuri Lorenzo Quirino Moraes Silva from UFMT.

UFMT's Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Estudos em Planejamento Energético (NIEPE) played a pivotal role, integrating academic research with forensic analysis. Prof. de Souza, a specialist in electrical safety and president of ABRACOPEL, highlighted the synergy: "Our approach transformed tragedy into technical learning, combining field experience with computational modeling." IEE-USP, known for its advanced arc flash laboratory and hosting the ESW Brasil, provided modeling expertise.

Case Study: A Tragic Accident in Mato Grosso

The study dissected a fatal incident during medium-voltage (34.5 kV) network expansion in Mato Grosso. A truck crane transporting a concrete pole contacted an energized line. As the worker attempted to adjust the pole, he completed an electrical circuit, allowing lethal current to flow through his body and induce ventricular fibrillation, causing immediate death.

This case exemplifies common risks in Brazilian power infrastructure work: proximity to live lines, inadequate risk assessment, and insufficient grounding. Such accidents highlight vulnerabilities in expanding grids to meet rising energy demands in remote areas like Mato Grosso, where agricultural and mining sectors drive electrification.

Innovative Methodology: From Field to Simulation

Researchers employed a hybrid approach: forensic reconstruction from现场 evidence and advanced computational modeling. Software simulated the circuit, including soil resistance, arc formation, human body impedance, and personal protective equipment (PPE) like insulating gloves and boots. Results revealed current paths bypassing PPE, confirming the fibrillation mechanism.

This step-by-step process—data collection, 3D modeling of the scene, parameter calibration (e.g., ground resistivity ~1000 Ω·m), fault current calculation (~5-10 kA), and body current path analysis—provides unprecedented precision. It sets a benchmark for incident investigations, blending engineering, forensics, and simulation.

Key Findings and Prevention Proposals

Simulations showed currents exceeding 100 mA through the heart, far above the 30 mA fibrillation threshold. Key lapses: no lockout/tagout (LOTO), poor grounding, and overlooked crane height risks. Proposals include:

• Mandatory pre-task risk assessments with voltage detection.
• Enhanced PPE testing and dual-layer insulation for medium voltage.
• Standardized crane operation protocols near lines, including minimum approach distances (e.g., 3.7 m for 34.5 kV per NR-10).
• Training on arc flash and step/touch potentials.
• Integration of real-time monitoring tools like drones for line inspection.

These actionable insights could reduce similar incidents by 50-70%, based on modeled scenarios.

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Global Reception and Validation

The paper drew praise for its practical applicability, positioning Brazilian research as a reference for international protocols. Attendees from utilities and regulators noted its relevance to similar U.S. incidents. Prof. de Souza remarked, "Seeing our Mato Grosso and São Paulo science referenced globally validates academia-pericia integration." This exposure fosters future collaborations, potentially influencing IEEE standards.

Electrical Safety Crisis in Brazil: Stark Statistics

Brazil faces a persistent electrical safety challenge. According to ABRACOPEL's 2025 Anuário (2024 data), over 2,373 accidents occurred, up 11.6% from prior years, with ~250 fatalities—primarily shocks (70%) and fires (20%). Residential settings account for 60%, work sites 30%. Medium-voltage networks contribute 15% of work fatalities.

Causes: overloads (40%), poor installations (30%), contact with networks (20%). Northeast leads in deaths per capita. Economic cost: billions in losses, underscoring urgency.ABRACOPPEL Anuário 2025

Brazilian Universities Driving Safety Innovation

UFMT's NIEPE pioneers interdisciplinary energy studies, producing stats like historical wiring analyses with ABRACOPEL. USP's IEE-USP advances arc flash testing and hosts ESW Brasil 2027, promoting local-global knowledge transfer. Other unis like UNIFEI (quality/power protection) and UFSM contribute case studies. Higher ed investments in labs and NR-10 (electrical safety norm) training are vital.

ESW Brasil: National Platform for Progress

The ESW Brasil, inspired by the IEEE event, held its 12th edition in 2025 at IEE-USP, focusing on arcs, PPE, and risks. UFMT presented five papers, reinforcing leadership. Upcoming 2027 edition at USP will build on Texas success.

Implications for Higher Education and Industry

This spotlight boosts funding for engineering programs, attracts talent to safety research. Unis train via specializations (e.g., UFMT's safety engineering). Partnerships with Politec enhance applied research. Future: AI simulations, VR training to cut accidents 30% by 2030.

Photo by Gisela Carolina on Unsplash

Career Opportunities in Electrical Safety Engineering

Brazil's expanding grid needs experts. Roles in research, regulation (ANEEL), utilities. Unis like UFMT/USP offer postdocs, faculty positions. Explore research jobs or faculty openings.