Photo: WTSP 10 NewsTwo men have died after being electrocuted while trimming palm trees in Florida.
The two men were working in the Naples area at a condominium when the incident happened, according to WTSP 10 News.
The men were working on a 30-foot aluminum ladder that slipped and hit a live power line.
According to the local sheriff’s office, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating.
Trimming around power lines can be one of the most dangerous jobs for any landscaping crew.
There are certain steps to follow to keep every worker safe, including:
- Determine the voltage(s) of any lines that may pose a hazard before work begins. All lines must be considered as operating at the voltage of the highest-voltage line.
- Contact the utility company to discuss de-energizing, grounding or shielding power lines.
- Perform a hazard assessment of the work area before starting.
- Do not trim trees in dangerous weather conditions, such as high winds, icing, thunder and lighting.
- Only use insulated tools and equipment to remove branches and limbs.
- Wear approved personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, hard hats, hearing protection, non-conductive clothing and harnesses as needed.
- Use extreme caution when moving ladders and equipment around downed branches and power lines.
- Inspect trees and limbs for structural weakness before climbing or cutting.
