NEVADA COUNTY UTILITY WORKERS FALL 50 FEET WHILE REPAIRING LINES

GRASS VALLEY, Calif. – Two utility workers fell nearly 50 feet while working in Nevada County. The accident occurred Thursday evening, Jan. 6, at Rollins Lake Road and You Bet road north of Rollins Reservoir.

The Cal Fire Nevada-Yuba-Placer fire department responded to the accident and found the two workers. The fall occurred while repairing electrical lines, according to officials.

Both men were transported to Sutter Roseville Hospital in unknown conditions. The accident is being investigated by Cal/OSHA and will be conducted over the next 6-months.

Commentary on the workplace fall near Rollins Reservoir

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has promulgated stringent standards designed to reduce accidental falls in the workplace. This includes employer-provided safety equipment for heights over 6-feet.

Reading this report, it is challenging to hold judgment until after a detailed investigation has been conducted. Throughout my career, my firm has conducted investigations for several victims of accidental falls across the country. In nearly every one of these cases, the injured were not provided proper safety equipment as required by law. I have to wonder if things were different here.

Employers must provide a safe work environment to their employees. Employees required to work in elevated positions have an inherently dangerous job and deserve adequate protection. I am not alleging this employer failed to provide adequate safety. However, the facts need to be uncovered through an independent investigation to ensure these men receive the help they deserve.

I hope the men in this accident can make a full and speedy recovery and their families can find strength throughout the difficult road ahead.

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