Landscaper's Electrocution Highlights Deadly Power Line Dangers

A 31-year-old landscaper was electrocuted and fell from a 16-foot ladder while trimming trees at a Hauppauge residence Tuesday morning, a fatal accident that highlights extensive safety regulations governing work near electrical power lines.

Darwin Morales-Martines of Central Islip was working in the backyard of 2 Richwood Lane when his tree trimmer contacted power lines, according to Suffolk County Police. Morales-Martines was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating.

The fatal accident brings attention to New York State's High-Voltage Proximity Act, which generally prohibits workers and equipment from coming within 10 feet of high-voltage electrical lines without approved safety precautions.

Under Labor Law Section 202-H, employers must inform workers of electrical hazards. When protective measures are necessary, the law generally requires notifying the utility at least five working days before work begins. PSEG Long Island maintains an even stricter advance-notification policy, known as its "10/10 Rule," directing contractors and homeowners to contact the utility at least 10 workdays before working within 10 feet of power lines.

The utility warns that ladders, tools and landscaping equipment can contact energized wires, potentially causing fatal injuries.

Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations also establish minimum electrical clearances and specialized training requirements for certain tree-trimming operations near energized lines. OSHA additionally addresses ladder safety, protective equipment and fall hazards. Authorities have not announced whether any safety regulations were violated in the Hauppauge incident or whether advance arrangements were made with the utility.

Suffolk County Police have not announced any findings concerning compliance with state or federal workplace safety regulations. The Homicide Squad investigation remains ongoing.