The City of Marco Island is issuing an urgent safety reminder to all landscaping, tree service, and outdoor maintenance professionals following two tragic electrocution incidents that occurred in October.
Both incidents involved workers contacting overhead power lines while performing routine landscape maintenance. The City is urging all outdoor workers and employers to review and follow safety procedures to prevent further tragedies. “These incidents are heartbreaking and entirely preventable,” said Chris Byrne, Fire Rescue Chief for the City of Marco Island. “Power lines are unforgiving. A single moment of inattention can have deadly consequences. We’re asking everyone who works outdoors, especially those trimming trees or using ladders, to take every possible precaution.”
Safety Guidelines for Workers Near Power Lines:
Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead lines at all times—electricity can arc through the air even without direct contact.
Assume every power line is energized. Never touch wires, tree branches, or equipment in contact with power lines.
Use non-conductive ladders and tools (fiberglass or wood instead of metal).
Call 811 before digging to locate underground utilities.
Contact your local utility company if vegetation or equipment is close to a power line. Never attempt to remove or trim it yourself.
During storm cleanup, treat all downed wires as live and dangerous. Stay far back and call 911 immediately.
“Our goal is simple: we don’t want workers to suffer injury or lose their lives to something that can be prevented with education and caution,” Chief Byrne added. “We urge all businesses to talk to their employees today about power line safety.” For more information on electrical safety, visit https://www.lcec.net/my-reliability/vegetation-management/tree-safety/ or contact the City of Marco Island Fire-Rescue Department by calling 239-389-5040.
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