Three workers engaged by the contractor of the Electricity Department reportedly died and one was battling for life after they were electrocuted while attempting to remove old cables from discarded poles at Savoi-Verem, in Ponda taluka. It is learnt that while pulling out the old cables, the insulation cover must have got scrapped and the cables probably landed on the electrified cable. All four workers from UP received a high intensity electric shock. While two died on the spot one succumbed on the way to the hospital and one worker was under treatment.
Such unfortunate incidents can be prevented by switching off the section of the line where the work is being carried out. In order to take extra precaution the fuse of the particular line needs to be removed. Such incidents can also be avoided if the workers wear protective gear provided to them. If these electricity workers were wearing gloves such a tragedy would not have taken place. Those working on the electric poles need to have safety harness and non-skid safety shoes in order to prevent slipping and falling from a height.
