Today, the Vermont Department of Labor and Industry and Vermont Utilities announced they will work together to improve safety measures for all individuals working near high voltage power lines. Efforts to improve safety stem from 1999 data showing that as many as 20 Vermont workers had in some way contacted high voltage power lines in 1999. In January, a tree trimmer operating a chainsaw near power lines in Williston was killed when the saw contacted the high voltage wires.
Power Lines can be extremely dangerous.
All workers should know the location of power lines and maintain a safe distance when performing any job. All equipment should be kept at least 10 feet away from power lines. Individuals need to take these dangers seriously. Local utilities also have information available.