A Simple Fix With Big Potential

A construction safety awareness campaign could reduce electrical fatalities.

• By David Kopf
• Sep 10, 2024

I love it when simple solutions can yield big gains. Case in point: I want to share an electrical safety awareness campaign that has the potential to accomplish just that on construction sites, where electrical safety remains a critical concern.

According to the OSHA, between 2011 and 2022, there were 1,322 workplace electrical fatalities in the United States. A troubling aspect of these statistics is that the majority of these fatalities occurred among workers in non-electrical occupations, with the construction industry being one of the most affected, according to analysis of OSHA’s statistics by the Electrical Safety Foundation (ESF). The construction industry saw a rate of 0.7 electrical fatalities per 100,000 workers, trailing closely behind the utility industry, which had a rate of 0.72.

And here’s the real clincher: more than 50 percent of incidents involving non-electrical workers are due to contact with overhead power lines. In contrast, only 18 percent of electrical-related job fatalities involve such contact. This stark difference underscores the need for increased awareness and education among construction workers. For example, construction workers are at risk of powerline contact when using scaffolding and ladders or operating heavy machinery such as dump trucks with raised payloads.

The ESF has taken action to address this alarming trend through its “Always Look Up” workplace safety campaign. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the dangers of overhead power lines and to encourage construction workers to take a simple but potentially life-saving action: look up before starting any task. Getting all workers on a construction site, regardless of role or experience, to take that one simple step could save a life.

The campaign offers additional safety information. In the event that a vehicle or object does come into contact with a power line, ESF says workers should stay away and warn others to do the same. If a worker is inside a vehicle that has contacted a power line, the safest course of action is to remain inside unless there is smoke or fire. In such cases, exiting the vehicle must be done with extreme caution —workers should jump from the vehicle with their feet together, avoid touching the ground and the vehicle simultaneously, and shuffle-step away from the scene without lifting their feet.

Also, the Always Look Up advises workers to stay at least 35 feet away from any downed power lines —about two dump truck lengths — and to be especially cautious in wet conditions, which can increase the danger. You can download infographics and other materials from the ESF at www.esfi.org to help spread awareness on your job sites. The “Always Look Up” materials are available in multiple languages to help reach a broader audience, as well. 

The “Always Look Up” campaign is a vital reminder that simply taking a moment to assess your surroundings can prevent fatal electrical accidents on construction sites. This campaign represents a crucial tool in safeguarding the well-being of workers across the industry.

This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.