HPSEBL technical staff shows concern over safety of employees working on HT lines
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, July 26
The Technical Employees Union of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) has urged the state government and the power utility to take immediate steps to improve the safety of field staff, warning that on-duty electrocution deaths among electricity employees are increasing in the state.
In a memorandum addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, the Managing Director of HPSEBL and the State Energy Minister, Rajan Rehkata, Assistant Secretary of the Technical Employees Union, Shimla district, said recurring accidents involving line staff have become a matter of grave concern.
He said every fatal accident leaves behind a devastated family, depriving children of a parent and families of their sole breadwinner.
The union attributed the increasing number of accidents to severe staff shortages, inadequate adherence to shutdown and Permit to Work (PTW) procedures, and the lack of quality personal protective equipment.
It alleged that many field employees are either not provided safety gear on time or continue to use worn-out helmets, insulated gloves, safety harnesses, footwear, earthing rods and voltage testers.
The memorandum also pointed to poor installation practices, inadequate grounding and earthing of electrical systems, weak communication during maintenance work and lightning-related incidents as factors contributing to fatal accidents.
The union demanded that all field employees be supplied with high-quality ISI-certified safety kits and that the equipment be inspected and replaced every six months.
It also sought strict implementation of standard operating procedures, including mandatory shutdowns before maintenance work and monthly safety meetings in every division.
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Another key demand was the filling of vacant posts in the line staff to reduce excessive workload and improve operational safety.
The Technical Employees Union further urged the government to provide compassionate appointment to one eligible dependent of any employee who dies while on duty within one month of the incident, saying timely support is essential for families facing sudden financial hardship.
The union appealed to the government and HPSEBL management to treat the issue as a priority and take immediate corrective measures to prevent further loss of lives among electricity workers.
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