Adams popularized it, but it was a common gag on usenet before he used it. We discussed it here:
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=302568&highlight=orker
Heh. Simulpost. You can find a usage from 1989, which I dug up in that earlier thread.
If it’s one of the “milkhouse” style heaters (metal, rounded corners, cluky looking) I’d say it’s very likely. These use helically wound wire heating elements, and often DO NOT have floor or tilt switches. (they are made so as to not overheat if a cow, orker or not, kicks them over) A good drop followed by a stop (hitting the floor) could well cause a heating element to contact the case or a fan blade.
Another possibility that just entered my head is that the office may have been upgraded to arc-fault breakers*. Not likely, since I think they’re currently only required in new home construction, with no requirements in commercial space, but it’s not impossible.
AF breakers are a new type that sense sparks and arcs and kill power before prolonged sparking has a chance to start a fire.