Construction Workers
Powerline Safety Tips for Construction Workers
Most powerline contacts happen at construction sites – and every one of them is preventable.
Job site safety is everyone’s responsibility. It’s important to be aware and take care to reduce the growing number of incidents. Here’s how to stay safe when working around powerlines.
6 Powerline Safety Tips:
- Look up, look out! Identify all powerlines on site and keep people and equipment at least three metres away to prevent an incident. Electricity can jump to you or your equipment if you’re too close to a powerline.
- Before you begin any excavation work, contact your local utility or call Ontario One Call. Ask for a cable locate for all utility-owned underground infrastructure. Privately-owned underground powerlines need a private locate.
- You must have a signaller to support drivers of dump trucks and other high-reach vehicles. This makes sure equipment doesn’t come within three metres of overhead powerlines.
- Ensure that dump trucks on site lower the box after dropping off a load. It’s good practice to have a “raised box” indicator installed in the truck to remind the driver when the box is raised.
- Stay alert! Incidents often happen at the end of the day, when workers are tired or rushing to finish a job.
- If wires fall on the truck or the ground, always assume they are still energized. Stay in the vehicle, call 911 and keep everyone back. Only the local utility worker on-site can confirm when the power is off and tell you when it’s safe to exit the vehicle.
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Articulating Boom Equipment
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Infrastructure Health & Safety Association Resources
Powerline Contacts - Limits of Approach - Know your limits
Electrical Hazards - Infrastructure Health & Safety Association
Guideline for Working near Overhead Electrical Wires and Equipment on Construction Projects