Work Safety

Powerline Safety Tips for Work

• Construction Workers

  1. 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. 
  2. Before you begin any excavation work, contact us or call Ontario One Call.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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. 
  5. Stay alert! Incidents often happen at the end of the day, when workers are tired or rushing to finish a job. 
  6. 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 Entegrus can confirm when the power is off and tell you when it’s safe to exit the vehicle. 
• Dump Truck Operators

  According to the ESA, Dump trucks were the number one cause of overhead powerline contacts in the past five years. Many contacts occurred while loading and unloading material. The EDA has created a PDF, available below, on best practices for powerline safety and dump truck operators. 

  Powerline Safety for Dump Truck Operators

  Remember to always follow these steps:

  1. Arriving on Site: Visually locate all overhead wires. Always have a signaller to provide an extra pair of eyes. 
  2. Getting Set Up:  Make sure that all parts of the truck are a minimum of 3 metres away at all times from any overhead powerlines. Make sure the signaller is a minimum of 10 metres (30 ft) away from your truck. 
  3. Leaving the Site:  After dumping the load, drop your box before moving your truck. 

  Visit the Electrical Safety Authority for more resources.

• Landscapers and Arborists

  When pruning or trimming trees, always look up and look out for overhead powerlines before you start.

  1. Be safe and carry your ladder horizontally, preferably with another person to help. 
  2. Tree pruning tools that contact or come close to a powerline can result in electrocution. Look closely for overhead powerlines running through trees as foliage often hides them.
  3. Make sure you and your tools are at least three metres away from powerlines at all times. 

  Visit the ESA for more safety tips.