ESFI Expands “Always Look Up” Power Line Safety Campaign

In recognition of National Electrical Safety Month, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) relaunched its “Always Look Up” campaign to address one of the leading causes of electrical fatalities in the U.S.—contact with overhead power lines.

According to ESFI, nearly half (48%) of all workplace electrical fatalities occur when workers come into contact with overhead power lines. Among non-electrical occupations, that number rises to 57%. From 2018 to 2023, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recorded 538 such fatalities across the country.

“Overhead power line contacts are unique because in many cases the fatality occurred when the power line was clearly visible,” said Daniel Majano, ESFI’s program director.

This year’s updated campaign provides a range of new educational resources aimed at key at-risk groups, including homeowners, truck operators, roofers and tree trimmers. These groups are often unaware of the dangers posed by working near energized power lines—especially during tasks involving ladders, long-handled tools or raised truck beds.

Common hazards include:

• Setting up ladders near lines while painting or cleaning gutters
• Operating lift-equipped trucks into overhead lines
• Trimming tree limbs that have grown into utility lines
• Decorating roofs without checking for nearby electrical service entrances

To reduce risk, ESFI recommends maintaining a distance of at least 10 feet from overhead lines and always treating them as live. For downed lines, individuals should stay at least 35 feet away and avoid touching anything that may be in contact.

“We believe that this is an issue where we can save a lot of lives through raising awareness and emphasizing the simple principle of ‘Always Look Up,’” said ESFI Executive Director Jennifer LeFevre. “It’s great advice for anyone doing work outside.”

As part of the campaign, ESFI released several free resources, including infographics and videos in English and Spanish, truck operator safety guides, and workplace injury statistics. All materials are available at esfi.org to support jobsite safety and community outreach.