One day at a construction site in 2002, a small job was added at the end of a project—after Tom Dickey’s safety gear had already been sent back to the shop. He made a decision in favor of time and efficiency instead of safety to go ahead and dig a 40-foot section for conduit.
This decision almost cost him his life. As an experienced professional he knew all of the correct procedures, but while kneeling on the ground, he made a small slip as he used a shovel to adjust the conduit’s path. As a result, he came into contact with 7200 volts from underground power lines. This kind of electric contact inflicts burns on a person—from the inside-out—that can continue to burn for days after contact. He survived, but he spent months in the hospital and still lives with pain every day.
Tom and his family are working with Safe Electricity’s “Teach Learn Care TLC” campaign to share his message, “Please, safety first,” to help prevent others from having accidents with underground utilities. Tom’s story can be seen at SafeElectricity.org.
Tom stresses that even a homeowner who puts a shovel in the ground risks his well-being and damage to underground utilities if he has not gotten these lines marked. The first step in safe digging is to call 8-1-1, the national “Call Before You Dig” number, to have underground utility lines marked. The service is free and could prevent a tragedy.
For more information visit www.SafeElectricity.org.
You must be logged in to post a comment.