Severe Injury Incident Involving Utility Pole Maintenance

Case Overview

This case study delves into an incident involving an individual who sustained severe injuries due to falling wooden cross poles from a utility pole. The event transpired when the individual parked their vehicle under a utility pole and was exiting it.

Without warning, the cross poles dislodged from the utility pole and struck them. This case seeks to scrutinize liability issues associated with utility pole maintenance, specifically focusing on whether adequate safety measures were implemented and adhered to by the responsible parties.

Questions to the Electrical Engineer expert and their responses

Could you describe your professional background in utility pole maintenance, particularly as it pertains to your experience in New York City?

I bring 31 years of experience to the table, holding a P.E. licensure in Electrical Engineering. My work has encompassed several matters concerning utility pole and equipment maintenance, including cases within NYC venues.

What kind of maintenance programs are in place to ensure that utility poles operate safely and effectively?

Maintenance programs for utility poles are typically governed by the specific utility using the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), supplemented by guidance from Public Utility Commission or equivalent bodies.

There are two primary efforts – inspection/maintenance of poles and equipment. In New York, poles are inspected periodically; the frequency is determined by region within the state, averaging about every seven years. A 10-year period is common in the industry. Findings from these inspections are prioritized for repair.

Have you ever reviewed a similar case? If yes, could you provide some details?

Yes, I have been involved in two similar cases. One case involved two fatalities where Con Ed claimed lightning caused a line to drop from a pole, but it was more probable that age of the pole and end-of-useful life were factors.

Another case in NYC was very similar to this current matter but also involved equipment; an insulator fell from a pole, injuring a passerby.

About the expert

This expert boasts over two decades of experience in electrical engineering, holding a PhD in the field and multiple master's degrees. They are a licensed professional engineer and member of several prestigious engineering associations, with four patents to their name. Their extensive career includes setting safety standards, advising on technical matters, investigating electrical and fire accidents for a U.S. Army Command, and currently leading an electrical engineering consultancy.