Overhead power line contact is one of the largest single causes of fatalities associated with mobile plant and equipment.

Contact with live overhead power lines is a serious risk because any voltage that causes sufficient current to pass through the heart is potentially injurious or even fatal.

Contact with live electricity can also cause serious burns arising from the discharge of electrical energy.

Other risks include fires and explosions that may immobilise the equipment involved. You don’t have to have a direct contact with a high voltage overhead power line to receive a fatal electric shock. Simply being too close can kill.

Study the illustrations above and the guidelines available in the resource hub and always be alert when operating machinery near power lines.