Communications Workers of America Local 1122                                                                     

08/28/2008

Safety Flash

There was another electrocution in Verizon in Providence, Rhode Island in July. This is the second incident in NE in less than a year. All
the details are not out yet because of the investigation underway, but this is what is known so far. The tech,was taken to the hospital ,where he died 2 days later  he lost an arm and was badly burned. He was working in a bucket and somehow the guy wire which was above the power became electrified. He became part of the circuit with the current entering his arm and exiting his lower body. OSHA is investigating and seems to be focusing more on the power company. Corporate Safety has not issued a flash yet, but I will send it out when it is available.

This is a dangerous job to begin with and the recent bad weather conditions only increase the danger. Please use this as a reminder to be vigilant about working safely, especially around power. This is also why training and education are so important and why we will continue to push for all areas to roll out our Power Awareness training. It breaks my heart to send out these notices - - let's do what we can to prevent any other horrible incidents.