In order to improve the safety of linesmen working on power transmission lines, Goa’s Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar reportedly said that the government will soon equip electricity department staff with smart helmets and watches in order to prevent electric shocks and enhance worker safety. It is learnt that the smart helmets and watches are capable of detecting whether a line is live from a distance of approximately 50 to 60 cms. The state has seen numerous accidents involving linesmen and line helpers, many of them ending in fatalities. Those working on power lines should be provided with basic safety gear. They should be provided with safety helmets, insulating rubber gloves, shoes and insulated clothing. Turning the power off is vital. A safety harness is vital when the linesman is working at a height. Now, many cities in Goa have underground electric cables and work is going on at several places to replace overhead electrical wires by underground cabling. When underground cables are damaged, electricity workers can get injured by electric shock. Hence all necessary precautions need to be taken including putting off the main power line.
