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Heroes Wear Hardhats

by | Dec 1, 2025 | Uncategorized

A Colorado Department of Transportation employee nearly lost his life when the crane on a mechanic truck contacted overhead powerlines while working on a snowplow after a winter storm last year. It was a split-second mistake with lifelong consequences. After the accident, CDOT contacted San Isabel Electric for specialized high-voltage electricity training to help prevent future accidents.

Fortunately, SIEA has a program that was easily adapted for CDOT. SIEA’s First Responder Safety Summit training program was developed in 2023 for law enforcement and fire agencies to help them make a situation involving a power line safe before providing aid. More than 100 people have participated in the training program at more than 10 agencies in southern Colorado. Through live, high-voltage demonstrations, CDOT employees learned ways to keep themselves, first responders, and the public safe. Topics during the training covered:

  • Minimum clearance distances between equipment and power lines
  • Safe-digging depths and procedures
  • Procedures for downed power lines
  • Road crews and lineworkers are dispatched to work alongside first responders. They are not traditional first responders but their work is essential to public safety and the safety of emergency personnel.

High-voltage electricity from accidents or fires involving power lines, electric utility equipment, or electric vehicles are common hazards for CDOT employees while on the job.

San Isabel Electric is proud to work alongside these brave men and women and is grateful to share potentially life-savings skills and knowledge to keep everyone safe.

 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN AN ACCIDENT WITH UTILITY EQUIPMENT
  1. Do not attempt to drive away or exit the vehicle.
  2. Call 9-1-1 and STAY INSIDE THE VEHICLE until utility crews say it is safe to get out. Remember: Power lines do not have to be arcing, sparking, or making noise to be live. Electricity is usually invisible and silent.
MORE TIPS
  • Do not approach an accident involving downed powerlines, even if someone is hurt. You cannot help them if you become a victim too. Wait until utility crews say the scene is safe.
  • If you see downed powerline or damaged electric equipment call 9-1-1. They will contact the utility crew and respond to keep the scene safe.
  • Never attempt to move a downed line or anything it is touching with another object such as a stick or pole. Even materials that don’t normally conduct electricity can do so in the right circumstances.
  • Line properties can change: Any power line that is dead could become energized at any moment due to power restoration or back feed from backup generators.
  • Stay at least 50 feet (the length of a school bus) away from the downed power line.
  • Do not attempt to drive over a downed power line.
  • Do not step in water or walk in debris near a downed power line.