Utility Worker Seriously Injured While Working on Utility Pole in Berne Along Long Road
BERNE, ELECTROCUTION (January 30, 2024) – A utility worker was seriously injured after being electrocuted in Berne while in the basket of a bucket truck.
Albany County officials are saying that the incident took place around 2:41 a.m. on Friday. The worker was performing routine maintenance on a utility pole while in the basket of a bucket truck.
The bucket truck came into contact with an electric line, which caused it to become energized. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.
Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A full investigation into the Berne electrocution remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Albany County Electrocutions
Electrocutions are one of the numerous hazards that workers can face. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, “The construction industry had the highest number of electrical fatalities (855), followed by professional and business services (212), trade, transportation, and utilities (155), natural resources and mining (138), and manufacturing (120).” There are a number of steps that utility companies should take to protect their workers from electrocutions.
- Utility companies should ensure that all of their workers receive proper training on electrical hazards and safety protocols.
- Utility companies should provide all of their workers with adequate personal protective equipment, including insulated gloves.
- Utility companies should implement strict lockout/ tag out procedures.
- Utility companies should use voltage detectors that alert workers to nearby electrical hazards.
Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous sources of liability for any incident where a worker is electrocuted by a utility line. The company that manufactured a bucket truck could potentially be liable. Bucket trucks are typically supposed to have proximity sensors that alert users to electrical hazards. They should automatically prevent the truck from coming into contact with live power lines. A general contractor could also be liable for failing to maintain a work site in a reasonably safe condition. It is important that several steps are taken after an electrocution accident.
- Medical records related to the electrocution should be preserved.
- The circumstances leading up to the accident should be understood.
- A thorough investigation by OSHA should be conducted.
- An experienced personal injury attorney should be contacted.
Electrocution accidents are often highly preventable in the workplace. They tend to be the results of safety lapses that allow workers to come into contact with power lines. When safety protocols are strictly followed, the vast majority of these accidents can be prevented. It is important for accident victims to understand that they have rights. These rights extend to the family of any person who’s loved one died at work. They’re able to seek some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Albany County Electrocutions
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the worker who died in this Berne electrocution accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a workplace electrocution accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims get the support and justice that they deserve under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
