VANCOUVER: BC Hydro is urging workers and employers to make electrical safety a top priority as new research reveals a concerning lack of awareness of critical safety rules. With seasonal work bringing an influx of younger, less experienced employees onto job sites, the risk of electrical injuries is increasing.
“Seasonal workers like those in construction, tree trimming, painting and window washing are at higher risk for electrical injuries, particularly in the spring and summer months,” said Matt Wilson, BC Hydro’s Senior Vice-President of Safety. “By increasing awareness and reinforcing best practices, workplaces can significantly reduce preventable injuries and ensure worker safety around power lines.”
BC Hydro data indicates more than 40 per cent of work-related public fatalities and injuries in the past five years were due to electrical hazards and 65 per cent of near misses or situations where a worker barely escaped also involved work near power lines and electrical infrastructure.
A recent survey of workers commissioned by BC Hydro found one-third of respondents have either been injured or shocked by electricity or know someone who was injured or shocked on the job, with more than 20 per cent stating these incidents involved workers who were new to the job or had received insufficient training.
Unsafe work practices continue to be a major concern, with 60 per cent of workers witnessing hazardous activity near power lines and nearly 40 per cent reporting an electrical safety concern to their employer. Despite the dangers, nearly one-third of workers do not know the safe working distance from power lines, and nearly half admitted to using aluminum, wood or metal ladders, all of which conduct electricity and increase the risk of serious injury. Fiberglass ladders are the safest option as they are non-conductive and may provide workers some protection from injury if the ladder comes into contact with electrical wires.
The survey also found that 40 per cent of workers believe additional electrical safety training is necessary, signaling major gaps in hazard education. BC Hydro is urging those who work around overhead power lines and other electrical infrastructure or equipment to remember these tips:
- Look up and down: Make sure you look for overhead and underground power lines and plan your work so you can maintain a safe distance. Reach out to BC 1 Call before digging to get free information on buried utility lines.
- Stay back: Keep a safe distance from power lines. Follow WorkSafeBC Regulation and stay back the appropriate distance from all electrical equipment.
- Call for help: If you come across a fallen power line, an exposed underground power line or an object comes into contact with a power line, stay back 10 metres (33 feet) and call 911. If your vehicle or equipment contacts a line, stay calm and stay still until help arrives.
To help prevent workplace electrical incidents, BC Hydro offers free-of-charge in-person and online electrical awareness training for trade workers, first responders and anyone working near high-voltage lines. In the past five years, BC Hydro has provided free training to almost 40,000 people online and in-person. Employers and workers can access BC Hydro’s online electrical safety awareness courses and additional resources by visiting bchydro.com/safetyresources.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468