Feature Article
Overhead power lines: eliminating recurring fatal accidents By ALBERT SMITH, Lifting Matters Chief Sponsor Electrocution remains the leading cause of crane-related deaths throughout the world, representing approximately 25% of all crane accidents. More than half of all electrocutions are associated with the crane boom, cable or load/load line contacting an overhead power line. The remainder involve contact between power lines and other unspecified parts of the crane. Data from the National Coroners’ Information System from 2000 to 2008 revealed 22% of fatal accidents involving cranes were due to electrocution. These statistics are staggering – as an industry, we have failed to improve safety outcomes when it 6
LIFTING MATTERS
DECEMBER 2018
comes to overhead power lines. In fact, the data suggests that accidents of this nature are occurring more often. In this issue of Lifting Matters, you will read about several electrocution incidents involving cranes coming in contact with power lines which have occurred over a 25-year period. Together with the data, they sadly show a trend in the wrong direction when it comes to working with cranes around overhead power lines. So, why exactly are we failing to reduce these kinds of incidents, let alone eliminate them? I believe we need to ask ourselves three key questions:
