New Mexico Construction Site Accidents: Electrocution

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the serious injury of a New Mexico worker who was electrocuted by high voltage power lines while operating a crane boom at a Las Crues, New Mexico, construction site. Unfortunately, serious electrocution accidents are common on New Mexico construction sites – accidents that are often preventable.

Both those who work with electricity and those who don’t can be the victim of a serious electrocution injury or death on NM construction sites. These accidents can take place when:

• Construction equipment comes into contact with high power lines.
• Wires are not properly insulated.
• Wires are not properly moved or labeled during work.
• Electricity is not turned off before work begins.
• Contactors or workers do not know about the location of underground power lines.
• Contactors do not properly ask local utility companies for power line information.

Many of these accidents can be prevented with a little preparation by the construction company:

• Construction companies should train all of their workers – electricians and non-electricians – regarding power line safety and electrocution prevention.
• Construction companies should closely follow the regulations put forth by the OSHA and make certain that their workers are also following these guidelines.
• Construction companies should provide their workers with the appropriate gear to protect against electrocution.
• Construction companies should make certain that the location of all power lines and wires is known before beginning a job.
• Construction companies should regularly inspect their electrical equipment and power cords for issues.

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