The Private Tree Worker and Energized Lines

Abstract

The growing number of fatal or near-fatal accidents in the private sector resulting from direct or indirect contact with energized lines is cause for alarm. There is mounting evidence that employers and employees alike are either unaware of, or unfamiliar with the provisions of the federal OSHA regulations that pertain to this type of hazard or the ANSI Z-133 Standard adopted by the industry that specifically applies to safety standards for the industry. Several factual incidents are included to emphasize these points.