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Are you sure your PPE is truly protecting your crew? or just ticking a box?
For utility workers, safety gear is the last line of defense against some of the industry’s most dangerous hazards: electrocution, falls, arc flashes, and exposure to toxic substances. But real safety demands more than compliance; it requires a vigilant, up-to-date, and proactive approach to PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) selection and use.
From 2011 to 2022, there were 1,322 fatalities among electrical workers alone, with about 3% resulting directly from inadequate PPE.
Slips, trips, and falls remain the top cause of workplace fatalities in utility construction with 21 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers as recently as 2020.
Yet, OSHA and industry leaders agree that most serious injuries are preventable with the right protection and training.
Below is a comprehensive utility crew checklist for 2025 that is built with the latest standards and real field risks in mind.
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Routine checks save lives. Implement these steps daily:
Read more: Safety and OSHA compliance for utility workers
PPE is more about people and their safety and less about just a gear. Studies show that safety training is the most effective predictor of PPE usage rates; consistent training doubles the likelihood of workers wearing the correct equipment. Building a culture of safety is utmost important for organizations.
What are the latest standards utility crews must meet?
Look for compliance with NFPA 70E, ASTM F3258-21 (arc flash), and ANSI/ISEA/OSHA regulations, all updated frequently to reflect new technologies.
How often should PPE be inspected?
Daily, and immediately after any incident or exposure (e.g., drop, chemical spill). Gloves, respirators, and harnesses may have expiration dates, and they need to be replaced as scheduled.
What are the core PPE items utility workers must have?
At minimum: ANSI hard hat, insulating gloves, fall harness/lanyard, safety glasses/goggles, hearing protection, respiratory device (if needed), flame-resistant high-vis clothing, and protective boots.
What happens if the PPE doesn’t fit?
Uncomfortable or poor-fitting PPE is one of the top reasons workers remove their protection or fail to use it consistently leading directly to injury risk. Always ensure proper fit.
Can older PPE still be used?
No. Aging gear can degrade in ways not visible to the eye. Always check expiration, and when in doubt, replace it.
How do technological advances make a difference?
Wearables, lighter materials, and smart PPE significantly cut down musculoskeletal injuries, improve compliance, and provide real-time safety data—not possible with traditional equipment.
A thorough, up-to-date PPE checklist, backed by regular inspection, training, and the latest innovations, is the single most effective way to keep utility crews safe. This isn’t just regulatory “red tape”; it’s about sending every worker home in one piece. Make PPE a priority, not an afterthought.
Ready to keep your crew safe? Get Everyone on board and start sharing this with your safety lead today.
Are you sure your PPE is truly protecting your crew? or just ticking a box?
For utility workers, safety gear is the last line of defense against some of the industry’s most dangerous hazards: electrocution, falls, arc flashes, and exposure to toxic substances. But real safety demands more than compliance; it requires a vigilant, up-to-date, and proactive approach to PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) selection and use.
From 2011 to 2022, there were 1,322 fatalities among electrical workers alone, with about 3% resulting directly from inadequate PPE.
Slips, trips, and falls remain the top cause of workplace fatalities in utility construction with 21 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers as recently as 2020.
Yet, OSHA and industry leaders agree that most serious injuries are preventable with the right protection and training.
Below is a comprehensive utility crew checklist for 2025 that is built with the latest standards and real field risks in mind.
Routine checks save lives. Implement these steps daily:
Read more: Safety and OSHA compliance for utility workers
PPE is more about people and their safety and less about just a gear. Studies show that safety training is the most effective predictor of PPE usage rates; consistent training doubles the likelihood of workers wearing the correct equipment. Building a culture of safety is utmost important for organizations.
What are the latest standards utility crews must meet?
Look for compliance with NFPA 70E, ASTM F3258-21 (arc flash), and ANSI/ISEA/OSHA regulations, all updated frequently to reflect new technologies.
How often should PPE be inspected?
Daily, and immediately after any incident or exposure (e.g., drop, chemical spill). Gloves, respirators, and harnesses may have expiration dates, and they need to be replaced as scheduled.
What are the core PPE items utility workers must have?
At minimum: ANSI hard hat, insulating gloves, fall harness/lanyard, safety glasses/goggles, hearing protection, respiratory device (if needed), flame-resistant high-vis clothing, and protective boots.
What happens if the PPE doesn’t fit?
Uncomfortable or poor-fitting PPE is one of the top reasons workers remove their protection or fail to use it consistently leading directly to injury risk. Always ensure proper fit.
Can older PPE still be used?
No. Aging gear can degrade in ways not visible to the eye. Always check expiration, and when in doubt, replace it.
How do technological advances make a difference?
Wearables, lighter materials, and smart PPE significantly cut down musculoskeletal injuries, improve compliance, and provide real-time safety data—not possible with traditional equipment.
A thorough, up-to-date PPE checklist, backed by regular inspection, training, and the latest innovations, is the single most effective way to keep utility crews safe. This isn’t just regulatory “red tape”; it’s about sending every worker home in one piece. Make PPE a priority, not an afterthought.
Ready to keep your crew safe? Get Everyone on board and start sharing this with your safety lead today.