The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is hosting Ontario’s first ever Power Line Safety Week from May 13 – May 19. The ESA is asking people across the province to remember this slogan: “look up, look out, and locate!” When working in the vicinity of power lines it is extremely important to be aware of your surroundings. In the last decade alone, 28 Ontarians suffered fatal injuries after coming in contact with live power lines. “We have an obligation to work together to protect our families, our communities, our co-workers, and ourselves.” (Doug Crawford, Chief Public Officer of the ESA)

Injuries due to power lines have been especially evident in the construction industry over the last few years. Being in the hydrovac excavation industry, we must use extra precaution when digging in the vicinity of overhead and underground power lines. Our operators are required to complete specific training such as: electrical utility safety rules & electrical awareness, hydrovac operator competency & equipment training, high voltage, and equipotential bonding; we reinforce this training through our monthly safety meetings, which are mandatory for all operators.

Safety is extremely important, so please join the ESA and local distribution companies, in spreading this message – look up, look out, and locate!

For more information visit – www.powerlinesafety.ca

Also, watch their informational video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAwaPmAwPL8