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Underground power lines: The danger beneath the backhoe

by Stan Rucker, VP of Safety and Loss Control with Electric Power Associations of Mississippi.

Electric power associations build underground power lines to withstand most damage due to natural causes. But nothing can protect them from the direct impact of excavating equipment – except the operator’s awareness of electrical safety.

Most important, electrical safety measures can help prevent a tragedy: If you strike an underground power line while digging, you could seriously injure yourself, and those around you, and knock out electric service to homes and businesses in the area.

The danger is real: On average, 325 people die, and 4,400 are injured each year because of electrical hazards, according to data published by the National Safety Council. Electricity ranks sixth among all causes of occupational fatalities. The leading cause of fatal electrical incidents while on the job is contact with power lines, both above and below ground.

By calling Mississippi 811 before digging, the electric utility serving your work site will be alerted of your intentions. Utility personnel will determine whether an underground power line or other electrical facilities exist at your work site and, if so, dispatch a representative to mark their location. This is a service that Mississippi’s consumer-owned electric power associations are happy to provide to help protect you and your workers, foremost, but also to prevent power outages and avoid costly damage to underground electrical facilities.

Electric power associations urge you to devote a few minutes to electrical safety before digging by dialing 811 at least two days before the work is scheduled to occur. For more information, visit www.ms811.org.