A tree trimmer was electrocuted July 27 he struck a 12,000 volt power line on the Lehigh Canal towpath in Bethlehem, according to news reports. The 42-year-old was working for a company that was contracted by PPL Electric Utilities to trim branches near power lines along the towpath ahead of Musikfest.
A spokesperson for PPL said the utility does not routinely shut down power lines while workers are trimming around them. Instead, contractors receive training on how to remain safe while working around the potentially deadly power lines. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was investigating the death.
Electrical Workplace Injuries
In fact, tree trimmers frequently come into contact with high voltage live electrical wires, and OSHA has devoted a significant effort to enforcing standards and educating employers and employees who trim trees near power lines.
If you have suffered an electrical burn or injury while working in Pennsylvania, or if you have lost a loved one to an on-the-job electrical injury, you may qualify for Pennsylvania workers’ compensation.
Although the workers’ compensation system is intended to protect injured workers and their families, it can be difficult to navigate. If you have questions or concerns about your legal rights to compensation, contact the Worker’s Compensation at Shor & Levin, the Bulldog Lawyers, by calling 855-860-0565 or using our Worker’s Compensation.
