Worker Killed When Ladder Touches Power Line Hazard Alert

The WorkSafeNB investigating officer determined that, while placed vertically, the ladder was within 30 to 40 cm of the electrical line; turning it 90 degrees brought it within 10 to 15 cm, and the sideways movement of walking it down to the ground caused the fatal contact.

Recommended Preventive Action

With appropriate precautions and procedures, work carried out near electrical transmission or distribution lines need not become a threat to worker’s safety. Contact NB Power at 1 800 663-6272 for information specific to your site.

1. Contact the authority owning or operating the electrical utility line or utility line equipment to ensure that the line or equipment is (a) de-energized or (b) adequately insulated or guarded before permitting any employees to start work. [Subsection 289(2) Regulation 91-191]
2. When an employee who is not a qualified person [section 286 Regulation 91-191] is about to start work that is liable to bring any person or object closer to an energized electrical line or utility line equipment, the employee must maintain the minimum distances specified in the table. [Subsection 289(1) Regulation 91-191]