Staying safe around overhead power lines is not just a workplace requirement, it’s a life-saving habit. Every year, workers and even the general public are injured because of accidental contact with these high-voltage hazards. The truth is, power lines are everywhere—on construction sites, farms, warehouses, and even residential areas. Unfortunately, they often blend into the background, and people forget just how dangerous they can be. One wrong move near an energized line can cause severe burns, electrical shock, or even death.

In fact, many workplace safety training programs like the IOSH Course emphasize power line safety as a critical hazard. Why? Because most accidents happen not because workers are careless, but because they are unaware of simple precautions that could save their lives. That’s why understanding a clear set of rules makes all the difference.

This article walks you through the top 10 rules for overhead power line safety, breaking them down in a step-by-step format that’s easy to remember and apply in your daily work life. Whether you’re operating heavy machinery, working on a scaffold, or simply moving materials around a job site, these rules will help you protect yourself and your team.

Rule 1: Always Assume Power Lines Are Live

The golden rule of electricity is simple: if you see a power line, always assume it’s energized. Even if it looks insulated or inactive, never take the risk. Electricity is silent and invisible, making it far deadlier than many other workplace hazards.

I remember a story from a construction site where a worker thought the line was “dead” because the lights in the nearby building were off. He casually moved a metal ladder close to the wire and was instantly shocked. Thankfully, he survived, but it was a painful lesson that power lines should always be treated as live unless verified otherwise by qualified professionals.

Rule 2: Keep a Safe Distance

When working near power lines, distance is your best friend. OSHA recommends at least 10 feet of clearance for lines carrying up to 50 kV. For higher voltages, the distance should be greater. Always check voltage levels with your supervisor or utility company before beginning work.

Think about crane operators or truck drivers unloading materials—these jobs often take them dangerously close to power lines. One extra step back, one double-check of equipment clearance, can prevent a serious accident.

Rule 3: Use a Spotter

Having an extra set of eyes is a lifesaver when working near overhead hazards. A trained spotter can help guide machinery or ladders to ensure they never touch or come near a power line.

For example, a farmer moving irrigation pipes across a field may not notice how close the pipe is getting to a low-hanging wire. A spotter can intervene and prevent disaster. This simple step reduces blind spots and creates a safer environment for everyone.

Rule 4: Know Your Equipment Height

Before operating machinery, always measure and know the maximum height of your equipment, including cranes, dump trucks, or forklifts. Compare this with the clearance of nearby lines.

There’s a common mistake many workers make—they only consider the machine itself, not the added height when the boom or bucket is extended. Double-checking equipment dimensions against line height should be part of your pre-work checklist.

Rule 5: Use Warning Signs and Barriers

When overhead lines are present, set up visible warning signs and physical barriers to remind workers of the hazard. Bright-colored tape, cones, or even flagging systems can create an awareness zone.

On one road project, workers put up temporary barriers around an overhead line crossing the site. Not a single incident occurred during the project. On another site where no barriers were used, a dump truck accidentally raised its bed into a line, causing thousands of dollars in damage.

Rule 6: Wear Proper Protective Gear

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is your last line of defense against accidents. Insulated gloves, boots, and helmets can significantly reduce the impact of electrical contact. However, PPE should never replace safe work practices.

Electricians working directly with live wires are trained to wear rubber insulating gloves tested for voltage. Similarly, construction workers should always wear helmets with non-conductive shells to protect against unexpected contact.

Rule 7: Plan Your Work Around the Lines

One of the smartest ways to avoid accidents is to plan work before it begins. If possible, schedule tasks in areas with minimal exposure to overhead wires. If that’s not possible, create a detailed plan that outlines where lines are, how much clearance is needed, and what alternative routes or setups can be used.

For instance, moving materials across a yard? Plan the route so workers don’t need to walk under wires at all. Small adjustments in planning can prevent major hazards later.

Rule 8: De-energize and Ground Lines Where Possible

If your job absolutely requires working close to power lines, contact the utility company and request the lines to be de-energized or insulated for the duration of the project. Some companies will even provide protective line covers.

This step requires coordination and planning, but it’s one of the most effective ways to eliminate risk. Workers can proceed with confidence knowing that the lines no longer pose an immediate threat.

Rule 9: Train and Educate Workers

Safety training is not optional; it’s essential. Workers should regularly attend safety sessions to refresh their knowledge of electrical hazards. Training programs like the IOSH Training Course often provide practical exercises, simulations, and real-life case studies that stick with workers long after the classroom session ends.

When employees truly understand the dangers of overhead power lines, they are far more likely to take precautions seriously. Employers should reinforce training with regular safety talks and on-site demonstrations.

Rule 10: Have an Emergency Response Plan

Despite all precautions, accidents can still happen. That’s why it’s critical to have an emergency response plan in place. Every worker should know what to do if someone contacts a power line.

Step one: never touch the victim directly, as you might get shocked too. Step two: immediately call emergency services. Step three: shut off the power if possible, and wait for professionals. Having this knowledge can mean the difference between life and death.

Step-by-Step Safety Guide

Step 1: Survey the Site

Walk through the worksite and identify every overhead power line. Mark their locations clearly on a map or diagram.

Step 2: Establish Clearance

Measure equipment heights and confirm safe distances before starting work.

Step 3: Communicate With the Utility

Contact the local utility company to discuss potential risks and possible solutions like line de-energization.

Step 4: Assign Spotters

Designate a responsible person to guide machinery and monitor line clearance.

Step 5: Train the Team

Conduct a toolbox talk or refresher session before beginning any high-risk tasks.

Read more about IOSH Training Course to strengthen your workplace safety knowledge and gain the confidence to manage risks effectively.

Final Thoughts

Overhead power line safety is not just about rules—it’s about awareness, planning, and teamwork. Every accident avoided means a worker goes home safely to their family. When you treat power lines with respect and follow these guidelines, you drastically reduce the risk of deadly incidents.

Safety programs like the IOSH Course serve as a foundation for creating this culture of awareness. They teach practical steps for identifying hazards, preventing accidents, and building confidence in safe work practices. If you’re serious about protecting your workforce, investing in structured training is one of the smartest decisions you can make.