Look up! Powerline Safety week hopes to reduce powerline contacts with vehicles and equipment
The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is asking for your support in reducing powerline contacts and fatalities. In the past ten years, there were 1,385 powerline contacts. The haulage industry, along with equipment including aerial lifts and excavators, are the most susceptible to powerline contacts peaking from March to October.
Even more alarming, according to ESA’s research:
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Only 18% of trade workers (1 out of 5) can correctly identify the safe distance to stay back from overhead powerlines (3 metres);
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Only 26% of trades (1 out of 4) can correctly identify the limits of approach for downed powerlines (10 metres – the length of a school bus); and
- 70% of construction workers think it’s acceptable to touch a powerline with an orange coverup, which is only used for identification purposes. This is a deadly misconception.
Despite these risks, 45% of trades say they do not receive regular training on powerline safety, indicating a significant gap in awareness and education in this crucial area.
To help keep construction workers safe on the job, ESA has developed a free online education module. This can be found here.
Please fill out this online form to order free printed safety materials or access downloadable files. Quantities are available on a first come, first served basis.
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