Huddle script
On July 29, 2024, trainee painter Connor Lambert was killed in Farndon, England, while moving a fully extended ladder with a colleague near an overhead power line. The ladder either touched the line or came close enough for an electrical arc; his colleague was burned. The British Health and Safety Executive found that the equipment and work methods were unsuitable and that overhead-line risks had not been adequately assessed or controlled. [1] Before arranging exterior work, identify potential overhead lines and have the people responsible assess the work and agree on controls. Electricity can arc without direct contact, as this case illustrates. Do not approach a line or try to isolate the supply yourself.
Discussion and planning
Adapt these prompts to the job. OSHA recommends selecting controls using a hierarchy: elimination or substitution and engineering solutions first, followed by safe work practices, administrative controls and PPE. [2]
HSE identifies isolating the supply, suitable equipment and safe distances as measures for unavoidable work near overhead lines. [1]
- What exterior work is planned, and where might overhead lines affect the work or movement of equipment?
- Can the exposure be eliminated? If not, who will coordinate with the utility and qualified personnel to assess isolation, suitable equipment and safe distances before work begins?
- How will workers raise a concern or stop work if conditions change? Confirm the applicable stop-work and no-retaliation procedures with the team.
Checklist: adapt to your job
- Identify planned exterior work and flag potential overhead lines for assessment.
- Ask the responsible people to agree on and document controls before work begins.
- Assign an owner and due date to each open action; decide how completion and effectiveness will be verified. [2]
Planning prompt: Who owns the assessment and each open action, and when is each due?
Verification question: Before work starts, how will the responsible person confirm the agreed controls are in place and effective?
Comprehension check: Can electricity arc without direct contact? Yes, electricity can arc without direct contact.
Close the loop: Who will tell the affected workers what was resolved and what remains open?
Sources
- Painter and decorator sentenced after stepson electrocuted on job — Health and Safety Executive. Accessed 2026-10-30. press.hse.gov.uk
- Safety Management: Hazard Prevention and Control — OSHA. Accessed 2026-10-30. osha.gov