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Powerline contacts are “unforgiving and lethal,” ESA reminds us

July 11, 2016 | By Anthony Capkun


Photo from ESA’s 4th annual Powerline Safety Week, taken at GO Transit Whitby station. Courtesy ESA.

July 11, 2016 – Continuing to drive home the message that powerline contacts are “unforgiving and lethal” with 4th annual Powerline Safety Week, Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority deployed a street team to connect directly with frontline workers, answering questions and highlighting safety precautions to take around powerlines on construction sites.

According to ESA, 24 Ontarians have died from overhead powerline contact in the past 10 years, making it the leading cause of electrical fatality in Ontario, with 70% of powerline contacts occurring on construction sites.

Dump trucks at construction sites remain a significant concern, says ESA, as incidents involving those vehicles doubled from 2009 to 2014.

ESA’s 2016 Powerline Safety Week #RespectThePower campaign included digital and television advertising targeting both construction workers and homeowners, lifesaving tips, social media content, and a collaboration with local distribution companies (LDCs) to help spread the word.

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Results from the 2015 campaign show Ontarians were 15% more likely to look for powerlines after seeing ESA’s powerline safety messages, says the agency.


PHOTOS: Photos from ESA’s 4th annual Powerline Safety Week, taken at GO Transit Whitby station. Courtesy ESA.


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