Press Release

‘Power Up Your Safety’ – PUC Essential Electric Tips for Pennsylvania’s Warmer Months

Published on 5/23/2024

Filed under: Electric

Attention and Caution Needed When Working Around Both Overhead and Underground Lines

HARRISBURG – As we continue through National Electric Safety Month, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) encourages homeowners, workers, and contractors to join in strengthening safety practices around overhead and underground electric systems.

“A moment’s lapse in focus or a single oversight can lead to devastating outcomes when working near power lines, whether they are overhead or underground,” remarked PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “It is critical for everyone to know exactly where all power lines are located when you are on a job site or working on a project at home.”

Electric Safety Risks

The arrival of warmer 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.

According to the PUC’s Safety Division, there were 14 incidents last year involving accidental contact with electrical lines, resulting in five deaths and numerous serious injuries – and nearly all those incidents were preventable. 

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. 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.

 The PUC emphasized that awareness, communication, and safety planning are essential – including reaching out to local electric utilities to discuss ways to make working around those lines safer, along with calling 8-1-1 before any excavation work to ensure that underground electric lines and other systems are located and marked.

Electric Safety Tips

• Know Your Surroundings
  Always identify the location of power lines before you begin any work and treat every downed line as if it is live.
• Keep Your Distance
  Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead lines. More distance means more safety.
• Carry Smart
  Move ladders and tall gear flat on the ground to avoid a nasty shock.
  
  

Digging Safety Tips

• Call Before You Dig
  Contact the Pennsylvania One Call System at 8-1-1 before any digging starts. It’s free, it’s easy, and it could save a life.
• Take Responsibility
  If you’re digging, you should be calling. Don’t pass the buck or skip this key safety step.
• Plan With Precision
  Know what’s below and talk to your utilities if you are unclear about where to dig.
  
  

Together with Pennsylvania’s utilities, the PUC is dedicated to your safety. We're here to help ensure that your work areas near electrical utilities are 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 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 X (formerly 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