A crew was building a chain-link fence in a residential area. One worker lifted a 21-foot (seven-meter) section of the metal top rail into the air and the rail contacted a 7,200-volt power line. He died of electrocution.

Until the day when human society is no longer dependent on electrical power travelling through overhead lines, this type of hazard will remain with us. Workers in occupations unrelated to electrical system maintenance are at risk for contact with power lines. Tree trimmers, farm workers, transport workers and pool cleaners have all been killed by contact with power lines. No matter where you are or what you are doing, stop and look overhead before you lift a pipe, ladder, antenna or any long object into the air.