There has been an increase in trucks striking overhead wires. Recently, at least two major accidents involving roll-off trucks hitting power lines have been reported. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
“Overhead power line contacts with heavy trucks have been steadily increasing over the years and is one of the leading sources of workplace electrical fatalities,” said Daniel Majano, program manager at the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). “Between 2011 and 2022 there were a total of 35 fatalities caused by heavy trucks coming in contact with overhead power lines. Twenty-two (88%) of those fatalities occurred between 2018–2022.”
To help minimize these types of accidents, make sure that your operators are trained and your trucks:
- Have “Look Up” Signage to remind operators to look above for powerlines or obstructions before lifting the body.
- Have a warning system — alarms, flashing lights — that turns on when the body is raised. If using an exterior warning light, it should be mounted facing the cab and visible from the mirrors. If the light is flashing, the body will have to be lowered for it to stop. In cab alarms and lights should also be utilized when possible. Never allow anyone to bypass safety switches.
“To avoid contact with overhead power lines it is important to always look up, in all ways, when completing work near overhead power lines,” said Majano. “If you do come in contact with an overhead power line, or a downed power line, always assume the line is energized. Stay in your truck, tell others to stay away, and call 911. Only exit if you see smoke or fire. Many overhead power line contact deaths occur not from the initial contact but from drivers trying to either lower the truck bed or from improperly exiting their vehicle.”
If a vehicle contacts a power line or utility pole:
- Consider all lines to be live and dangerous.
- Remain in the vehicle and do not touch anything.
- Call 911 for help.
- Tell others not to approach the vehicle, downed lines, or anything that may be in contact with downed lines.
In the event of fire or smoke:
- Do not touch the ground and vehicle at the same time.
- Jump from the vehicle with your feet together. Try to land on both feet at the same time and remain standing.
- Shuffle 50 to 70 feet away and avoid lifting your feet.
ESFI has additional resources you can share with your employees to stay safe and remind them to always look up.
