web statisticsweb stats Business Phone Systems Tech Talk Forum - VOIP & Cloud Phone Help

Business Phone Systems

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,162
Likes: 8
dexman Offline OP
Spam Hunter
*****
OP Offline
Spam Hunter
*****
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,162
Likes: 8
A Verizon worker was suspended for three weeks without pay for saving a cat who became stuck at the top of a utility pole in Philadelphia.

Click me

I find the company's response interesting in that it says that the equipment isn't intended to be used around electrical cabling. I know that electrical cables are typically installed at the top of poles and everything else is below. But are telecom buckets not insulated enough to protect a worker in the event that it comes in contact with power lines?

Also, is the unpaid suspension really justified? ponder


I Love FEATURE 00
Atcom VoIP Phones
VoIP Demo

Best VoIP Phones Canada


Visit Atcom to get started with your new business VoIP phone system ASAP
Turn up is quick, painless, and can often be done same day.
Let us show you how to do VoIP right, resulting in crystal clear call quality and easy-to-use features that make everyone happy!
Proudly serving Canada from coast to coast.

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 2
Member
*****
Offline
Member
*****
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 2
If the boom truck was not insulated for being around poles I sure wouldn't be in one.

If I was in his place I would have done the same thing (rescued the cat)


We get old too soon, smart too late
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,722
Likes: 18
Member
****
Online Content
Member
****
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,722
Likes: 18
I can only speak for how we had to work around power when I was using a bucket truck (this was many years ago). Just every day phone stuff I was by myself. Whenever I was required to work within the proximity of power it require a helper on the ground. The bucket truck had dual controls the ground controls had an override of the bucket controls for safety. The person on the ground stood on a thick rubber mat, he had on all the safety gear for working around power and he stayed there until I was done. I have no idea what todays rules are. In the picture of the tech rescuing the cat he was working above a street light fixture, so what I just stated would have applied when I was doing it. Having given you that information, I would have done the same thing he did. Verizon is now fighting a PR campaign for their suspension.


EDIT: Not all bucket trucks are rated for working around power.

Last edited by justbill; 03/26/19 12:00 PM.

Retired phone dude
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 15,378
Likes: 13
Moderator-Vertical, Vodavi, 1A2, Outside Wire
*****
Offline
Moderator-Vertical, Vodavi, 1A2, Outside Wire
*****
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 15,378
Likes: 13
The problem is that it's not a bucket truck. It's a lift basket used for pole construction work. The boom and basket are not insulated at all. He broke the rules regarding working above power, regardless of the voltage. Had there been a mishap, the entire vehicle could have become energized and a passerby could have been shocked or electrocuted. He also doesn't appear to have the proper PPE for working above power. Rules are rules and he broke them. Verizon could (and probably will be) fined by OSHA for this blatant safety violation. He's clearly not trained for this situation. He's lucky he didn't get fired in my opinion. There were other things he could have done for the cat, specifically calling animal control or even the power utility.


Ed Vaughn, MBSWWYPBX
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 353
Member
Offline
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 353
the man made an emotional decision. he was being a nice guy. he was wrong wrong wrong. i love animals but don't risk your life or your family's welfare or income doing the likes. safety rules are made to keep a person alive and healthy. insulated equipment or not, it was bad idea.


HE SEEMS TO BE SAYING SOME KIND OF WORDS
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,799
Likes: 18
Retired Admin
*****
Offline
Retired Admin
*****
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,799
Likes: 18
Work Safe, Go Home Safe.


Dean
Photographs:
https://www.instagram.com/deanwilsoncanby/
https://fstoppers.com/profile/deanwilsoncanby
https://www.facebook.com/Dean-Wilson-Photography-112841337020414

Please don't confuse your "Internet Search" with my licenses, certifications and over 30 years experience.

"Thank you for calling Technical Support. If you feel you have reached this number in error, please hang up and press redial."
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,198
Member
*****
Offline
Member
*****
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,198
I understand that cat skeletons on top of utility poles are a real problem in that area.


Link Copied to Clipboard
Forum Statistics
Forums84
Topics94,262
Posts638,697
Members49,757
Most Online5,661
May 23rd, 2018
Popular Topics(Views)
211,098 Shoretel
187,712 CTX100 install
186,796 1a2 system
Newest Members
BPopilek, Rich F, LewisR, TDKs79, Buttinset
49,757 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
dexman 18
Toner 11
TDKs79 8
jc2it 4
teleco 4
Who's Online Now
1 members (Toner), 116 guests, and 244 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Contact Us | Sponsored by Atcom: One of the best VoIP Phone Canada Suppliers for your business telephone system!| Terms of Service

Sundance Communications is not affiliated with any of the above manufacturers. Sundance Phone System Forums - VOIP & Cloud Phone Help
©Copyright Sundance Communications 1998-2024
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5