Stay sharp, stay safe: Avoiding electrical hazards on the job
Crane work is always high-risk—and overhead power lines make it even more dangerous. A four-year review of crane-related fatalities found 312 deaths, but only 30 of those were crane operators. The majority were laborers, riggers, welders, ironworkers, carpenters or truck drivers working nearby.
One of the deadliest hazards is energized overhead power lines. They can be difficult to see and even harder to judge for distance—sometimes appearing farther away or much closer than they actually are. When contact happens, electricity often travels through the load, rigging, or wire rope, striking workers who weren’t even operating the crane.
Crane safety depends on constant awareness and teamwork. To help you and your crew maintain clearances and avoid power line hazards, the PRST team is sharing four essential tips.
Plan Ahead
Determine where the crane will be positioned and its travel route before work begins. Avoid power lines whenever possible. If you can, de-energize them or clearly mark the danger zone.
Treat Every Line as Active
Always assume overhead lines are energized until the utility company confirms they’re de-energized and visibly grounded. If minimum clearance can’t be met, the line must be “cold.”
Use Spotters and Visual Markers
Power lines can be hard to judge by sight alone. Use spotters to guide boom movement and mark danger zones with flags or fluorescent lines.
Know What to Do in Contact
If the crane comes into contact with a power line, stay inside if possible. If you must exit, jump clear, keep your feet together and hop away to avoid electric shock.
Power lines are hidden hazards that can kill in an instant. Staying alert, working as a team and following safety protocols are critical for everyone on the job. By pre-planning, keeping safe distances, using spotters and responding properly in emergencies, you can keep crane operations safe—even near energized lines. Stay alert, communicate and watch out for each other.
Prioritize safety at all times
Questions or concerns about your safety on the job? Please call your local PRST team. You can also learn more about our safety policies on our Tradesperson Resource Center.
