Industry-Submitted Notification

Contributing Factors:

• The utility pole and de-energized line were intended to be removed prior to the start of the civil scope; however, due to some miscommunication between the company and the utility provider, this did not occur.
• Due to the live electrical hazard being eliminated, the risk of contact with the de-energized line was not adequately assessed.
• Additional visual controls (i.e., rope and ribbon) to mark the exclusion zone were NOT utilized, as the additional posts were deemed to be more of an obstruction than benefit.
• The contractor workers were “tunnel visioned” on their tasks and the equipment operator failed to recognize that the equipment was within the 7 m zone of the overhead line. There was no spotter in the area at the time of the event.

Similar Events in Previous Years:

• 2017: A mechanic accessed a lease that was not covered under the safe work permit to conduct repairs on a tree processor. The boom was in the curled position when it contacted and severed a live powerline.
• 2017: A worker was using a telehandler to transport a roll of liner rigged to the machine’s extended boom using a sling. The worker entered the work site using a temporary access point that passed under powerlines. The telehandler contacted the overhead powerlines, which were identified as de-energized after contact was made.
• 2022: A clearing crew was using chainsaws to clear trees. As the crew was cutting a tree, it landed on the powerline. A spotter was in place. All work was stopped, the area was cleared immediately, and a third-party rep was contacted. There was no disruption to service. No injuries occurred; minor damage was noted on the cross-arm to the closest pole.

Required Actions:

• Reminder: In Alberta, the safe working distance from overhead powerlines is 7 metres. If working within 7 metres of the powerline, the utility owner must be contacted prior to work starting for approval and instruction.
• When working near overhead powerlines (live or de-energized), always ensure the use of goalposts and a spotter.