Owners of Colorado companies that operate equipment such as boom trucks must assess the safety of the work areas before allowing vehicle activity. Whenever overhead power lines are present on work sites, extra care must be taken to avoid contact with them. A contracted worker in another state lost his life last month when he suffered a fatal electric shock.
According to a preliminary incident report, the fatality occurred at a site at which a contracting crew had dismantled a communications tower. Reportedly, a boom truck that was used for the removal of wooden mats came into contact with the overhead power cables. The worker who was electrocuted was apparently holding a hook that was used in the removal of the mats.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified. It was reported that the agency will be investigating the company that owns the tower along with the company that subcontracted the crew responsible for dismantling the tower. Authorities underscored the importance of vigilance and compliance with safety regulations in the workplace.
Lives can be lost in an instant if safety regulations are disregarded. The surviving family members of the worker who suffered the fatal electric shock likely face challenging circumstances, some of which may be financial. The family of a worker who lost his or her life in an on-the-job accident in Colorado may pursue financial assistance through the workers’ compensation insurance fund. Death benefits claims may be filed for coverage of the expenses related to end-of-life arrangements along with a wage replacement package.
Source: ansonrecord.com, “Worker fatally electrocuted by power line in Anson County“, Imari Scarbrough, May 26, 2016