Man’s Electrocution a Stark Reminder of Lethal Power of Overhead Powerlines

May 1, 2017

A Peterborough, Ontario man’s death last month after contacting a powerline is a stark reminder of the need for everyone to be aware of overhead wires at home, at work and at play.

“Our thoughts are with the man and his family in the wake of last week’s tragic event,” says Scott Saint, Chief Public Safety Officer with the Electrical Safety Authority. “Incidents like these can be prevented by making everyone aware of the real danger of working around powerlines and other electrical equipment.”

Forty-seven Ontarians sustained critical or serious injuries over a 10-year span in Ontario, and 23 died after contact with energized powerlines. All of those deaths could have been prevented, and this latest incident has added another fatality to those numbers.

“The Electrical Safety Authority’s vision is an Ontario where people can live, work and play safe from electrical harm,” says Saint. “But we can’t fulfill this vision alone. We need everyone to remember to look up, look out, and locate powerlines—and never take safety for granted.”

To keep safe, ESA urges everyone to remember these basic powerline safety tips:

• Before starting any outdoor job, first look up, look out and locate the powerlines. Then keep track of where they are as you move around so you’re always mindful of them

• Stay back three metres from all powerline. This applies to any tools such as ladders or pruners. Coming too close to the wires can cause electricity to jump (or “arc”) to you or your tools

• Never attach, drape or brace anything on a powerline. And never grab a line for balance when working at heights

• Carry ladders, pruners and other long equipment horizontally, not vertically, because they could come into contact or attract arcing from an overhead line