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877-269-7890 from 8 AM - 10 PM ET

MISSISSAUGA, ON , May 16, 2022 /CNW/ - Spring is here and that means plenty of people will be undertaking outdoor home and work projects. With outdoor work comes the risk of lethal powerline contacts. May 16 to 22 is Powerline Safety Week, and the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is asking Ontarians to be aware of the risks and avoid fatal distractions by practicing three critical steps: Stop, Look, and Live.

According to the Ontario Electrical Safety Report, in the past 10 years, 18 Ontarians have died from overhead powerline contact, the leading cause of electrical fatality in Ontario . Front line construction workers are at an especially high risk, with 70 per cent of powerline contacts over the past 10 years occurring on construction sites.

"Whether you're pruning trees or taking on a smaller landscaping project, it's important to locate powerlines before you start any work," says Patrick Falzon , Powerline Safety Specialist, ESA. "Keep you and your tools and equipment at least three metres away from overhead powerlines at all times. A single distraction – no matter how momentary – could cause a life-threatening injury or fatality".

Powerlines are an everyday object that can kill you with or without direct contact. You don't have to touch a wire to receive a deadly shock. Electricity can jump to you and your tools if you get too close, which is why ESA is reminding Ontarians to stay safe and stay back at least three metres from overhead lines and at least 10 metres away (the length of a school bus) from downed powerlines.

For more information about powerline safety, including tailored tips for homeowners, construction workers, and arborists, visit esasafe.com/safety   

The Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA) role is to enhance public electrical safety in Ontario. As an administrative authority acting on behalf of the Government of Ontario, ESA is responsible for administering specific regulations related to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians, electricity distribution system safety, and electrical product safety. ESA works extensively with stakeholders throughout the province on education, training and promotion to foster electrical safety.

More information on the Electrical Safety Authority can be found at www.esasafe.com, through Twitter @homeandsafety and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ElectricalSafetyAuthority.

For further information: Electrical Safety Authority, 905-712-7819 or [email protected]

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