Communication workers and power utility workers around the country are often required to perform work on or around power utility systems. Communication workers’ safety is typically governed by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.268 for this type of work. Qualified Power utility workers’ safety is typically governed under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269. The National Electrical Safety Code also provides safety rules that govern work involving electrical power utility systems and workers performing work on or around them. Communications workers and power utility workers are frequently exposed to hazards such as electrical shock, electrocution, and work-related falls among many others.
The Rural Utilities Service in connection with the US Dept. Of Agriculture has provided electric and telecommunications programs designed to assist rural electrical and telecommunications power associations and cooperatives improve utility infrastructure and bring high-speed internet to rural cities and locations around the country. The influx of money and development from the government has led to an increase in the number of projects and workers that perform work as communications workers and power utility contractors. These workers are oftentimes exposed to situations where they are unqualified or untrained to perform work in the electrical power space. Often times these workers are asked to perform work without proper PPE for the particular power utility system. These situations often lead to catastrophic electrical burn injuries, electrocutions, and injuries from workers falling from utility poles, bucket trucks or other utility infrastructure.
Lyons & Simmons has experience with representing communications workers and power utility workers all around the country involving workplace and worksite injuries and has particularized knowledge and experience within the telecommunications and power utility industry and the safety rules and regulations governing workers and contractors working in this industry.
