Panaji: A
lineman
who was working to restore power to a few houses at Narve, Bicholim, slipped and fell from a bamboo ladder after completing the work and suffered a fracture to his hand and injuries to his body.
The incident happened around 9pm on Wednesday.
“He slipped while getting down from the pole. It was not an electrocution incident. He had turned off the system and all
safety precautions
were taken.
A line helper was holding the ladder for him. This was beyond the department’s control,” an
electricity department
engineer said.
“He fell on a tool box and fractured his right hand. He is undergoing treatment at Goa Medical College, Bambolim,” the engineer said.
He also added that the lineman has been working for the electricity department for more than 10 years.
“After incidents of electrocution, linestaff are now in alert mode. The department has also been giving them frequent training sessions on all safety aspects,” he said.
Last month, a line helper of the electricity department was electrocuted while he was on duty at Bicholim, the second electrocution tragedy in five months.
Chief electrical engineer Stephen Fernandes said that all safety gear and equipment have been provided to every linestaff for protection.
“They should shoulder most of the responsibility for their safety by using the safety gear and discharge rod before beginning work on a line,” Fernandes said.
English (US) ·