THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI:
Following the death of six lineman or line helpers by electrocution in the last two years, the electricity department conducted a special training session for almost 140 linestaff on safety and first aid.
In 2023, a total of five linemen lost their lives by electrocution- highest in recent years, while last year, a young 34 year old line helper had died.
The department informed that the line staff were trained on importance of safety , use of safety tools, causes of accidents with case studies, basic first aid in case of electrocution, snake bites, fall from height, Hands-on CPR, dressings/bandages, casualty transportation, etc. The session was conducted last month.
The department said that the training session was important, as the department has witnessed several cases where the lineman is injured while on duty due to various factors. There have been deaths too, sources said.
According to the information available from the department, since 2018, as many as 14 line helpers died while on duty. While five died in 2023, four linemen lost their lives while on duty in 2020.
While no deaths were reported in the year 2021, the year 2022 saw three deaths of line helpers due to electrocution. One case each was recorded in 2018 and 2019.
Meanwhile, the REC Institute of Power Management and Training (RECIPMT), Hyderabad conducted a training programme on electrical safety for Assistant engineers on topics like like CEA regulations on safety measures ,Operational safety, Earthing practices at 33/11KV S/S, Safety audit ,Disaster management, Fire safety etc.
