Tips for Working on Construction Near Overhead Power Lines

Whenever you are near electricity, you must be self-conscious and aware of the hazard. Even more so, the same goes for working on construction near overhead power lines. Be familiar with how to perform your job duties near electricity so you can keep yourself and other crew members safe.
Stay 10-Feet Away
A general rule is to stay 10-feet away from any overhead powerlines. However, the higher the electricity voltage, the further back employees should move their equipment. If you are unsure how far back you should stand, review the OSHA standards for working near electrical power and transmission lines.
Put Signs Around the Jobsite
To keep every employee on alert, stake down signs on the ground as a signal for drivers to watch out for when they are near a powerline. This provides a visual representation for equipment operators, which they heavily rely on to stay safe on the job. Ensure that the signs are large enough to be noticeable in large machinery.
Use a Spotter
Aside from the signs, use other employees as spotters to help guide the worker in the machine in the right direction and away from the electricity. This practice gives another pair of eyes near the hazardous areas of the jobsite, further protecting every employee in the vicinity. On top of signs and spotters, use a construction rig specific to working on power lines to prevent any disasters that could be unavoidable.
Conduct a Hazard Assessment
To further the safety of your employees working on construction near overhead power lines, you should conduct a hazard assessment to map out potentially unsafe areas of the construction site. Having a general idea of where everything is and what could be dangerous is smart, so employees can be on high alert while working. Perform assessments as the worksite changes throughout the construction; ignoring this step in the process could put you and your employees in sticky situation.
While construction is not the safest job in the world, regardless of what you are working on, it does get more dangerous when electricity is involved. Other tips to use when on the jobsite with transmission lines is to de-energize ground lines that you physically have to touch and avoid the rigs on the ground unless they are away from the danger zone. Always use the best practices for these situations, and you should see minimal negative outcomes.