According to OSHA, the second leading cause of worker deaths in construction is electrocution. Many workers don’t know the potential electrical hazards in their work environment, making them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution. Sometimes, it is simply a matter of not being aware of all energized power sources, from overhead and underground power lines to damaged receptacles and connectors.
Here are a few tips to keep your workers safe from dangerous power lines on the job site!
Prepare the Site Before Work Begins
When your job site is near active power lines, the first thing to do is travel to your worksite a few weeks ahead of time to complete a survey. Walk the site and identify any overhead power lines. Be sure to check for hidden lines tucked into trees or behind buildings. Create a map of these overhead lines and use that to develop a plan for operating around them safely. Consider travel paths for equipment and where each machine needs to be to complete its task at a safe distance from the power lines.
Next, get in touch with the power company so that everyone involved knows there is construction being done in the area. See if you can arrange to have the lines de-energized during your work hours.
Create Stable Ground for Heavy Machinery
When you set up your industrial equipment, make sure you have the proper ground support to reduce the risk of accidents. Unstable ground—such as brittle concrete or shifting soil—can cause machinery to move or shift unexpectedly. This sudden movement may cause interference with power lines that damages your equipment and puts your crew at risk.
To stabilize your construction site and keep machinery operation safe, invest in high-quality crane mats before your project begins. Be sure to properly set up your crane mats for the safest and most productive work environment.
Know When to Move and When to Stay Put
If equipment comes into contact with power lines, but there is no threat of fire or power-line strikes, stay put and remain inside the equipment until the power company de-energizes the circuit. If fire or power-line strikes present an immediate threat, jump as far away from the equipment as possible. Keep both feet together to avoid landing in power ripples with different voltages. Do not walk, but shuffle away without removing either foot from the ground. Do not let your body touch the equipment and the ground at the same time to avoid electrocution.
Never touch a worker who has been electrocuted. Anyone who tries to touch or grab another worker receiving an electrical shock can become part of the electric circuit and sustain personal injuries or death. If an employee has been electrocuted, stay away, warn others to stand back at least 35 feet, and call 911 immediately.
Ensure Your Crew is Fully Trained to Operate Construction Equipment
Improper operation of heavy machinery is a leading cause of construction accidents. Distractions and avoidable mistakes near power lines can put your crew at even greater risk, including electrocution or death.
Before you begin your project, ensure your crew is properly trained on standard operation and the extra safety precautions required for working near power lines.
At Ritter Forest Products, our mission is to make construction and other industrial sites safer and more efficient. That’s why we offer various ground products to support all types of heavy machinery. We have everything you need to protect your construction site and your workers, from custom hardwood mats to timber pipeline skids.
Contact our team today to learn more about our products and inquire further about our used and rental options!
