By Greg Fry

BC Hydro report

Trades workers most at risk of serious electrical contact incidents finds Hydro report

Jun 10, 2022 | 5:31 AM

VANCOUVER — Trades workers at most at risk of serious injury from coming into contact with electrical equipment.

That from a new BC Hydro report titled, “Overhead, out of mind: lack of awareness contributing to on-the-job electrical contact incidents in the trades.”

The report found that one in five trades workers has made contact or had a close call with power lines and/or equipment while working. Most incidents occur in the spring and summer, and those working in outdoor trades face the greatest risk because they often work at or near the level of overhead power lines.

“BC Hydro data shows over the past three years 61 per cent of reported electrical contact incidents resulting in serious injury involved trades workers,” said Susie Rieder, BC Hydro spokesperson. “When temperatures increase, those working jobs such as construction, tree trimming, house painting or window washing typically see their workload and risk of injury rise.”

Most trades workers (60 per cent) said they often work near overhead power lines or equipment, and 19 per cent have found themselves closer than expected to overhead power lines. Alarmingly, 43 per cent said they have witnessed unsafe work being performed near power lines or equipment. Of these, half reported the unsafe work (53 per cent), but almost as many (42 per cent) did not.

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BC Hydro says this concerning trend can be attributed in part to a knowledge gap – 71 per cent were unable to identify the correct distance they should keep themselves and tools away from overhead power lines, and 52 per cent said they could benefit from more on-the-job electrical safety training. This knowledge gap exists even though more than one quarter have worked on a site where there has been a downed power line, and 60 per cent have received some type of electrical safety training.

When working around overhead power lines or equipment, BC Hydro says to remember these tips:

• Look up and down – Observe the site beforehand and plan work to avoid contact with power lines.
• Stay back – Tools and people should stay at least three metres away from an overhead power line.
• Call for help – Fallen power lines should be reported immediately by calling 911. Those planning work closer than three metres to a power line at a worksite, should call BC Hydro in advance.
• Learn about the risks: BC Hydro offers in-person and online electrical awareness training for anyone who works near electricity, including trade workers, first responders and any member of the public working near high voltage lines. To get started with one of BC Hydro’s online electrical safety awareness courses or to learn more, visit bchydro.com/safetyresources.