Linemen’s death: No lessons learnt : The Tribune India

Join Whatsapp Channel

Linemen’s death: No lessons learnt

AMRITSAR: Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) officials and other employees seem to have learnt no lessons from the deaths of field staff in the past after they fell from electricity poles as the linemen can still be seen working without wearing safety equipment.

Linemen’s death: No lessons learnt

A lineman works on an electricity pole without wearing any safety equipment in Amritsar on Tuesday. Photo: Vishal kumar



Manmeet Singh Gill

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 21

Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) officials and other employees seem to have learnt no lessons from the deaths of field staff in the past after they fell from electricity poles as the linemen can still be seen working without wearing safety equipment.

At least four linemen died in 2015 on separate instances when they fell off electricity poles. Three of them died in September. In three of the four cases, an accidental shock from wires had led to the fall.

The safety kits prescribed for the field duty employees include safety belts and plastic gloves.

The corporation officials claim to have ample number of safety kits but they say employees never demand the same.

However, when many accidents have already occurred resulting in loss of life, is it not mandatory for the department to issue instructions to all employees to get these kits issued and use them while they are on duty.

Even after so many accidents in the past, the employees of the corporation were seen rectifying a snag on Lawrence Road with their bare hands. Though the electricity supply to the area where the maintenance work has to be undertaken is cut off, chances of a wire from another line coming in contact with the line which is being worked on cannot be ruled out, especially when three deaths have occurred due to the same reason.

An official of the power corporation on condition of anonymity said: “There is need for a training session for employees on working with safety equipment. Usually, men are used to work with bare hands as with gloves they do not feel comfortable. The department is required to get more serious on safety issues.”

Training session needed: Official 

An official of the power corporation on condition of anonymity said: “There is need for a training session for employees on working with safety equipment. Usually, men are used to work with bare hands as with gloves they do not feel comfortable. The department is required to get more serious on safety issues.”

Top News

Chief Judicial Magistrate's court in UP's Banda orders judicial inquiry into death of gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari

UP court orders judicial probe into Mukhtar Ansari’s death

The CJM has sought the probe report within a month

‘Heart attack or poisoning’: The life and times of Mukhtar Ansari—crime and politics

‘Heart attack or poisoning’: The life and times of Mukhtar Ansari—crime and politics

People loyal to gangster-turned-politician vouched for his '...

Alka Rai, widow BJP MLA killed by Mukhtar Ansari, says 'justice has been served', visits Ram Mandir

Alka Rai, widow BJP MLA killed by Mukhtar Ansari, says 'justice has been served', visits Ram Mandir

Alka Rai is the wife of MLA Krishanand Rai, who was shot dea...

Cash-strapped Congress gets fresh IT notice of Rs 1,700 crore, say party insiders

Cash-strapped Congress gets fresh I-T notice of Rs 1,800 crore

Ajay Maken addresses a press conference

Special court convicts 7 people in BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case

Special court convicts 7 people in BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case

The proceedings against Atiq Ahmad, his brother and prime ac...


Cities

View All