Occupational fatalities caused by contact with overhead power lines in the construction industry

Fatality inspection records from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration were examined to determine which construction industry trades have significantly greater proportions of occupational fatalities resulting from contact with overhead power lines than are expected. Proportionate mortality ratios were calculated for each construction industry trade, and Mantel-Haenszel chi-squared tests were performed to determine significance. The heavy construction, highway and streets construction, painting; and roofing trades had significantly greater proportions of fatalities resulting from contact with overhead power lines (P < 0.05). The heavy construction industry experienced the greatest number of fatalities among the four trades. Employee training and education in the identification and elimination of overhead power line hazards should be emphasized in the construction industry. Accident prevention should also include maintaining minimum clearances to the lines and the proper use of equipment.