{"id":19954,"date":"2023-07-25T14:07:20","date_gmt":"2023-07-25T21:07:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/esa-reports-death-of-construction-worker-in-powerline-incident\/"},"modified":"2023-07-25T14:07:21","modified_gmt":"2023-07-25T21:07:21","slug":"esa-reports-death-of-construction-worker-in-powerline-incident","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/esa-reports-death-of-construction-worker-in-powerline-incident\/","title":{"rendered":"ESA reports death of construction worker in powerline incident"},"content":{"rendered":"

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MISSISSAUGA, ONT. \u2014 Ontario\u2019s Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) has reported two incidents of contact with powerlines on construction sites so far this month, one resulting in the death of a construction worker.<\/p>\n

The fatality occurred when an individual\u2019s tool came within three metres of the powerline, recounted a July 25 release.<\/p>\n

The other incident involved a log boom making contact with an overhead powerline.<\/p>\n

The ESA did not name the employers or provide other details of the incidents, which occurred in western and northern Ontario.<\/p>\n

Another non-construction mishap in July involved an attempt by an individual to move a downed powerline they had mistakenly identified as non-electric.<\/p>\n

The ESA said it is supporting the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development regarding the incidents that are under investigation.<\/p>\n

According to ESA data, August is the most lethal month for powerline contacts with the highest number of fatal incidents among both the general public and on jobsites.<\/p>\n

Since 2012-2021 there have been 19 fatalities and 1,393 overhead powerline contacts in Ontario. In response, the ESA has launched a campaign to raise awareness among at-risk workers and the general public about the dangers posed by powerlines.<\/p>\n

Among the reminders is that electricity can jump (arc) to tools even if there is no direct contact with a powerline. Jobsites should use a competent dedicated signaller to guide and warn operators of machinery that could come within three metres of powerlines.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe consequences of making contact with a powerline can be instantly fatal or physically devastating,\u201d stated ESA director of data science Patience Cathcart in a statement. \u201cIt is crucial to know where powerlines are when you\u2019re working, whether that\u2019s at a jobsite or doing work around your house, and we urge Ontarians to take precaution to ensure their well-being when working in the vicinity of powerlines.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n