Protecting Against the Top 5 Utility Line Worker Hazards

Utility line workers face many serious hazards on the job daily — from electrical lines, heavy equipment, heights, and severe weather. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 41 fatalities in the Utilities industry in 2023. Injuries are even more common. 

When a utility worker is injured on the job, it can be costly for many reasons. For example, workers may need to seek medical attention, lose time from work and precious wages, and suffer unnecessary pain and discomfort. Employers must find ways to get more done with less and may face consequences if an injury or death happens due to an OSHA violation. 

Protecting Against the Top 5 Utility Line Worker Hazards

Fortunately, it’s possible to avoid the major safety hazards that can cause serious utility line worker injuries and fatalities. Although there may be no way to eliminate accidents entirely, employers can reduce them. Here are the top 5 utility line worker hazards and how you can protect against them. 

1. Failure to Identify Job Hazards

If utility workers don’t know the dangers they face in their work, they won’t be able to protect against them. Supervisors and workers should conduct regular worksite inspections. Before any work begins on a job, assess the type of equipment being used and any other conditions that may be hazardous. Eliminate the hazards if possible or mitigate them if not. 

Next, create a hazard map by drawing a detailed outline of the worksite. Include all existing and potential hazards. Involve both supervisors and workers in this process. By being proactive about identifying job hazards, there are more opportunities to address them, which reduces the risk of accidents. 

2. Failure to Use Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a significant role when it comes to workplace safety in the utility industry. Utility workers who fail to wear PPE are more at risk of injuries and even death from electrical hazards, falls, falling objects, chemicals, exposure, and more. 

Workers should wear head protection like hard hats that are free of deformities or weaknesses. They should also have and wear face shields, goggles, and masks when appropriate. To protect against falls, workers must properly use harnesses and fall protection equipment. All workers should receive training on how to correctly use this equipment. 

3. Failure to Use Proper Cover Up Equipment

In electrical work, cover-up equipment is critical to prevent accident contact with energized equipment or parts and to prevent accidental contact of energized conductors with the grounded surfaces of cross-arms or poles. 

When cover-up equipment isn’t used, the risk of an accident skyrockets. Many injuries happen when these aren’t used or when workers are moving to cover up equipment improperly during a job. Employers should ensure that the proper cover-up equipment is available for all job sites and that power linemen understand how to use it. 

4. Failure to Protect Against Currents in Grounded Systems

Power linemen can never assume that any grounded systems are safe. While it’s rare, conditions can exist that make grounded systems dangerous. The fact is that utilities are transmitting much higher voltages than they did even a decade ago, creating a serious workplace danger.

If equipment isn’t working properly or there are hidden hazards, it can lead to serious accidents and even result in fatalities. The best way to avoid injuries is to carefully inspect all equipment before using it and ensure workers are fully trained in recognizing safety hazards. 

5. Failure to Drive Safely to and From the Job

Whether they are riding in a vehicle or working alongside moving vehicles, power linemen often face many dangers on roadways. Some of the leading causes of roadway crashes include driver distraction, driver fatigue, and inadequate maintenance. 

You can reduce these safety hazards and proactively protect against these dangers by ensuring work vehicles are regularly serviced, equipping all work vehicles with hands-free devices to keep workers’ attention on the road, and offering training on things like distracted and drowsy driving. Additionally, utility crews should ensure work zones are properly laid out to provide a buffer between passing vehicles and workers, and all workers should wear high-visibility clothing or vests. 

Understanding and Asserting Your Rights as a Power Lineman

If you are a power lineman and have been injured on the job, you should understand that your employer is responsible for providing a safe work environment that is free of serious hazards. Lineman Injury Attorney is dedicated to providing workers with up-to-date and accurate information regarding OSHA guidelines. This information can help power linemen avoid serious accidents and assist workers in asserting their rights after a workplace injury.