Press Release

PUC Recognizes Electric Safety Month as Seasonal Outdoor Work Increases Across Pennsylvania

Published on 5/18/2023

Filed under: Electric

Commission Emphasizes Importance of Awareness, Communication and Planning When Working Near Power Lines on the Job Site or at Home

HARRISBURG – In conjunction with National Electric Safety Month, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is reminding homeowners, workers and contractors to use extra caution while working around electrical systems – especially overhead power lines.

According to the PUC’s Safety Division, there were 19 incidents last year involving accidental contact with electrical lines, resulting in one death and numerous serious injuries – and nearly all those incidents were preventable.

“A single moment of misjudgment, distraction or inattention when working near power lines can have tragic consequences,” noted PUC Vice Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “Anyone working near electric lines – on the job site, at their workplace, or at home – should be fully aware of the location and safe distance for all power lines; communicate with their local utility and others involved in the project; and carefully plan their work to make the site as safe as possible.”

The arrival of warmer spring weather traditionally marks an increased tempo for home improvement and construction projects, underscoring the importance of identifying potential electrical hazards around the home or on the job site. Over 80% of the accidental contact incidents investigated by the PUC’s Safety Division last year occurred during spring and summer.

For people working around the home, the highest risk typically involves the use of ladders and poles, while roofers and crane operators are most often at risk at the job site. A common factor for many of these incidents is a loss of “situational awareness” of power lines that may be above, behind or beside workers, resulting in contact with lines when they move or turn.

The PUC stressed the importance of identifying hazards before starting any work, communicating with local utilities for information about making the area around power lines safer, and developing proper plans to safely complete your project.

Electric Safety Tips

The Commission offered the following electric safety tips for working around the home:

• Locate all overhead power lines before starting any project.
• Stay at least 10 feet away from all overhead power lines – and stay as far away as possible from any downed lines.
• Carry ladders and equipment horizontally.
• Look all around before moving ladders or other equipment.
• Avoid touching any fallen lines, or anything in contact with power lines – including sagging trees with broken limbs.
• Never try to remove trees or limbs from power lines.
• Stay away from objects or puddles in contact with downed power lines.
• Notify the utility company of any issues.
• Provide utility crews with ample room to complete restoration and maintenance work on their facilities.

The PUC and Pennsylvania’s utilities are committed to safety, and assistance is available to make work areas near electric utilities safe. For the safety of everyone involved – from contractors and homeowners to utility company workers and bystanders – we urge people to review important safety information on the Electric Safety page of the PUC website and contact the local utility company when planning any project.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov