There are numerous safety hazards at construction sites and electrical safety is one of the main concerns.

• Look around the site and identify the location of all overhead power lines. Keep people and equipment at least three metres or 10 feet away to prevent accidental contact. Be aware that electricity can arc or jump from the power line to you or your equipment if you get too close.
• Many power lines, wires and other utility-owned infrastructure are located underground. Before beginning excavation work, visit the Ontario One Call website or call 1-800-400-2255 to request a cable locate. A certified professional from Elexicon and each infrastructure owner will visit the site to mark the location of buried lines and cables.
• When working with dump trucks and other high-reach vehicles, be sure you have a signaller on hand to support the driver and ensure the equipment stays at least three metres or 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
• After dropping off a load, be sure the dump truck lowers the box before moving to avoid accidentally contacting power lines. Installing an audible “raised box” indicator in the truck provides an added safety check to remind the driver when the box is raised.
• Always assume fallen wires are still energized. If they are resting on a vehicle, stay inside if it is safe to do so and call 9-1-1. Wait for the local utility worker to confirm the power has been disconnected and that it is safe to exit the vehicle.
• Be especially alert at the end of the day as incidents can happen when workers are tired or rushing to finish.

An increasing number of overhead power line contacts at work sites involve dump trucks. Here are tips to keep you safe.

• When you arrive at a construction site, visually locate all overhead wires. A signaller is required when working around power lines to help ensure the box stays at least three metres or 10 feet away from power lines. Make sure the signaller stays 10 metres or 30 feet away from the truck and that the person is always within your view.
• Most overhead power line contacts involving dump trucks happen when loading and unloading materials. Before beginning this work, ensure that all parts of the truck are at least three metres or 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
• Once work is complete, always drop the box before moving the truck. An audible “raised box” indicator can remind you to lower the box.

When pruning and trimming trees to keep them healthy and looking their best or to avoid electrical hazards, always be aware of the location of power lines and follow these safety tips.

• Keep all ladders, tools, aerial lifts and buckets at least three metres or 10 feet away from power lines.
• Always carry ladders horizontally to avoid contact with overhead power lines. If possible, enlist the help of another person when moving a ladder.
• It is a myth that only metal ladders are a risk around power lines. No matter what material a ladder is made of it can contain metal and is a hazard if it comes in contact with lines.
• Ladders don’t have to directly contact power lines as electricity can arc or jump across to a person or tool that comes too close, so always maintain the minimum safe distance.
• If the bucket of an aerial lift contacts a power line, the ground around it can become energized. Should this happen, keep everyone at least 10 metres or 30 feet away from the lift and call 9-1-1. Wait for a utility worker to confirm the power has been disconnected and that it is safe to leave the lift.
• When there is overgrowth, power lines can become hidden in trees and foliage. Before starting work, check the entire area to be sure it is clear of power lines. Always keep yourself and your tools at least three metres or 10 feet away from the lines.