According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), roofers have a high number of workplace electrical fatalities. A total of 81% of these fatalities occurred from contact with overhead power lines. 70% of all worker electrical fatalities occur in non-electrical occupations.

  • 81% of roofer workplace electrical fatalities occurred from contact with overhead power lines
  • Keep yourself and your tools at least 10 feet away from all power lines
  • Locate and identify utilities such as overhead power lines and underground wires before starting work. Call 811 before you dig.
  • Look for overhead power lines when operating or moving equipment
  • Always use ground-fault protection
  • Do not operate portable electric tools unless grounded or double-insulated
  • Know and maintain safe distances from power lines
    • <50v – 46 Kv: 10 feet safe distance
    • 41.41 Kv – 169 Kv: 10 – 12 feet safe distance
    • 230 Kv – 362 Kv: 13 – 16 feet safe distance
    • 500 Kv – 800 Kv: 19 – 24 feet safe distance
  • Be aware of energized equipment or parts near you. Many fatalities occur from workers accidentally coming in contact with energized equipment or parts near them