Power lines, often associated with electrical workers, pose a significant risk to a surprising group of workers: construction employees and other seasonal laborers. Between 2015 and 2025, a staggering 74% of all claims involving power lines were from non-electrical workers, according to WorkSafeBC data. This revelation highlights the often-overlooked danger that these workers face, especially during the summer months when workloads increase. The data further emphasizes that electrical incidents disproportionately affect workers outside the electrical trades, such as construction workers, window washers, painters, surveyors, and crane and heavy equipment operators. These workers may not be trained in electrical safety, yet they frequently operate near power lines as part of their jobs. As a result, they are at a higher risk of injury. BC Hydro's senior vice-president of safety, Matt Wilson, underscores the gravity of the situation, stating that electrical hazards remain a serious risk on job sites, particularly for those whose primary role is not electrical work. The construction, maintenance, excavation, tree trimming, and traffic control workers are often exposed to electrical infrastructure, and the risk of injury escalates during the summer when workloads peak. WorkSafeBC has taken action by issuing 688 orders over the last decade for failing to maintain the required separation distances from energized high-voltage equipment, with a significant 531 of these orders directed at employers in the construction sector. This data and the subsequent actions by WorkSafeBC and BC Hydro serve as a stark reminder that power lines are not just a hazard for electrical workers but a significant risk to a wide range of workers, especially those in the construction industry. It is crucial for all employers and workers to be vigilant about electrical safety, regardless of their primary role, to prevent accidents and injuries.
