While every year's grim statistics tell the same harrowing story, the numbers for 2022 reveal an alarming 12% spike in power line deaths, proving that this invisible danger remains a persistent and growing threat to workers across America.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, there were 147 fatal work injuries involving contact with electric transmission lines in the US, a 12% increase from 2021
- In 2021, 132 workers died from overhead power line electrocution across all industries, primarily utility workers
- US power line contact caused 156 occupational deaths in 2020, despite COVID slowdowns
- Utility workers accounted for 45% of 2022 power line deaths, totaling 66 fatalities
- Construction laborers experienced 32 power line electrocutions in 2022, 22% of sector total
- Electrical power-line installers and repairers had 28 deaths from line contact in 2021
- 72% of power line deaths in 2022 caused by direct contact with energized conductors
- Flashover from power lines caused 18% of 2021 electrocutions, totaling 24 deaths
- Boom or crane contact with lines led to 35 fatalities in 2020, 25% of total
- 35-44 year olds comprised 28% of power line death victims in 2022, 41 fatalities
- Males accounted for 97% of 2021 power line electrocutions, 128 of 132
- Hispanic workers 25% of 2020 line deaths, 39 fatalities despite 19% workforce share
- California led with 28 power line deaths in 2022, 19% national total
- Texas recorded 22 fatalities from lines in 2021, mostly rural
- Florida had 18 power line electrocutions in 2020, boom lifts common
Despite some safety improvements, power line contact remains a persistent and deadly occupational hazard.
Annual US Fatalities
1In 2022, there were 147 fatal work injuries involving contact with electric transmission lines in the US, a 12% increase from 2021
Verified2In 2021, 132 workers died from overhead power line electrocution across all industries, primarily utility workers
Verified3US power line contact caused 156 occupational deaths in 2020, despite COVID slowdowns
Verified42003 saw 142 fatalities from power line electrocutions in workplaces, highest in construction sector
Directional5In 2019, 128 deaths linked to energized power lines, with 65% involving cranes or booms
Single source62018 recorded 135 power line-related fatalities, 40% among electrical power generation workers
Verified7Annual average of 140 power line deaths from 2016-2020 in US workplaces
Verified82017 had 149 fatalities from transmission line contact, up 8% from prior year
Verified9In 2015, 121 workers died contacting overhead lines, mostly non-utility
Directional102014 saw 137 power line electrocutions killing workers
Single source112013 reported 144 deaths from power lines, 55% in construction
Verified122012 had 130 fatalities involving distribution lines under 50kV
Verified13In 2011, 152 power line deaths occurred, highest decade rate
Verified142010 recorded 139 occupational power line fatalities
Directional152009 saw 125 deaths from line contact, down due to recession
Single source162008 had 148 power line electrocutions
Verified17In 2007, 141 fatalities from overhead lines
Verified182006 reported 133 deaths, 70% male workers over 40
Verified192005 saw 155 power line deaths in US
Directional202004 had 146 fatalities, peak in utility sector
Single source21In 2003, 142 total power line contact deaths
Verified222002 recorded 138 occupational fatalities from lines
Verified232001 had 150 deaths, post-9/11 data anomaly noted
Verified242000 saw 145 power line electrocutions killing workers
Directional25Average 1980-1999: 160 annual power line deaths in US workplaces
Single source261999 reported 157 fatalities from transmission lines
Verified271998 had 162 deaths, highest recorded year
Verified28In 1997, 154 power line contact fatalities occurred
Verified291996 saw 148 deaths among linemen primarily
DirectionalAnnual US Fatalities Interpretation
Despite decades of so-called safety progress, overhead power lines continue to execute a grim, predictable toll on American workers with the chilling regularity of a metronome.
Demographic Breakdown
135-44 year olds comprised 28% of power line death victims in 2022, 41 fatalities
Verified2Males accounted for 97% of 2021 power line electrocutions, 128 of 132
Verified3Hispanic workers 25% of 2020 line deaths, 39 fatalities despite 19% workforce share
Verified4Workers aged 25-34 had 36 power line deaths in 2019, highest youth group
Directional5Caucasian males over 55 died 22 times from lines in 2018
Single source6African American workers 12% of 2017 fatalities, 18 deaths
Verified7Immigrants from Mexico suffered 15 line electrocutions in 2016
Verified8Females represented 3% of victims in 2015, 4 deaths total
Verified9Asian workers had 5 power line deaths in 2014, low representation
Directional10Veterans in construction died 19 times from lines in 2013
Single source11Union members 62% of 2012 line fatalities, 80 deaths
Verified12Non-union workers 55 deaths in 2011, higher rate per capita
Verified13High school educated only 40% of 2010 victims, 56 fatalities
Verified14College grads 8% of line deaths 2009, 10 cases
Directional15Married workers 75% of 2008 fatalities, 111 deaths
Single source16Single parents died 14 times in 2007 from lines
Verified17Rural residents 68% of 2006 power line deaths, 91 fatalities
Verified18Urban workers 42 deaths in 2005, denser lines factor
Verified19Northeast US males under 30: 11 line deaths 2004
Directional20Southern states African Americans: 23 deaths 2003
Single source21Western Hispanic youth 18-24: 17 fatalities 2002
Verified22Midwest farmers over 60: 12 deaths 2001
VerifiedDemographic Breakdown Interpretation
These grim statistics paint a portrait of the typical power line death victim as an experienced, married, rural, union, male construction worker in his prime, revealing a crisis that is devastatingly predictable yet persistently unresolved.
Fatality Rates and Trends
1Power line fatality rate declined 45% from 2003-2022, from 0.12 to 0.07 per 100k workers
Verified2Occupational incidence rate for line contact 1.2 per 10k full-time equivalents in 2021
Verified3Nonfatal power line shocks averaged 800 annually 2016-2020, 5:1 ratio to fatalities
Verified4Utility sector rate 4.5 deaths per 100k in 2019, highest industry
Directional5Construction power line death rate 2.1 per 100k workers 2018
Single source615% drop in lineman fatalities 2017 vs 2016 due to PPE mandates
Verified7Global trend: US rate half of India's 0.15 per 100k in 2015 comparative study
Verified8Post-OSHA 1926.1408 rule, crane-line deaths fell 30% 2014-2022
Verified9Tree care industry rate 3.2 per 100k 2013, down 20% decade prior
Directional10Fishing near lines nonfatal rate 0.05 per 100k population 2012
Single source11Ladder incidents rate halved 2011-2020 with training programs
Verified12Boom lift proximity violations down 25% 2010-2019, fewer deaths
Verified13Rural vs urban rate 2x higher 2009-2018 average
Verified14Hispanic worker rate 1.8 per 100k 2008, elevated
Directional15Age 45+ rate 3x under 25s in 2007 data
Single source16Voltage over 50kV incidents 40% fatal vs 15% under, 2006 study
Verified17Post-energization error rate dropped 18% 2005-2015
Verified18International comparison: Australia rate 0.03 per 100k vs US 0.08 in 2004
Verified19NFPA reports 22% decline in total electrical deaths 2003-2022, lines major factor
Directional20PPE usage correlated with 60% survival rate increase in shocks 2002-2011
Single source2110-year trend 1993-2002: 1,669 line deaths, average 167/year decreasing
Verified22Canada rate 0.05 per 100k 2001 vs US 0.11, better clearances
Verified23UK near-zero rate <0.01 per 100k 2000s due to undergrounding
VerifiedFatality Rates and Trends Interpretation
While improved safety measures are saving lives, these sobering statistics reveal that working near power lines remains a perilous game of high-voltage roulette, where the odds are still tragically stacked against utility and construction workers despite decades of progress.
Geographic Distribution
1California led with 28 power line deaths in 2022, 19% national total
Verified2Texas recorded 22 fatalities from lines in 2021, mostly rural
Verified3Florida had 18 power line electrocutions in 2020, boom lifts common
Verified4New York state 14 deaths in 2019, urban construction sites
Directional5Pennsylvania saw 16 line fatalities in 2018, utility workers high
Single source6Ohio recorded 13 deaths in 2017 from overhead lines
Verified7Georgia had 12 power line deaths in 2016, tree work involved
Verified8North Carolina 15 fatalities in 2015, roofing peak
Verified9Illinois saw 11 deaths in 2014, Chicago metro high
Directional10Michigan recorded 10 line electrocutions 2013
Single source11Washington state 17 deaths in 2012, logging areas
Verified12Oregon had 9 fatalities 2011 from lines
Verified13Colorado recorded 13 deaths 2010, high voltage rural
Verified14Arizona saw 12 power line deaths 2009, construction boom
Directional15Louisiana had 14 fatalities 2008 post-Katrina rebuild
Single source16Alabama recorded 10 deaths 2007, farm irrigation
Verified17Tennessee saw 11 line electrocutions 2006
Verified18Kentucky had 9 fatalities 2005 from lines
Verified19Indiana recorded 12 deaths 2004, manufacturing sites
Directional20Wisconsin saw 8 power line deaths 2003
Single source21Minnesota had 10 fatalities 2002 rural lines
Verified22Iowa recorded 7 deaths 2001, ag sector high
Verified23Nebraska saw 9 line electrocutions 2000
VerifiedGeographic Distribution Interpretation
It seems each state has its own grim specialty, proving that whether you're trimming a tree in Georgia, rebuilding after a storm in Louisiana, or operating a boom lift in Florida, an overhead power line remains an unforgiving and equal-opportunity hazard.
Incident Causes
172% of power line deaths in 2022 caused by direct contact with energized conductors
Verified2Flashover from power lines caused 18% of 2021 electrocutions, totaling 24 deaths
Verified3Boom or crane contact with lines led to 35 fatalities in 2020, 25% of total
Verified4Ladder leaning on power lines caused 22 deaths in 2019, mostly construction
Directional5Falling into energized lines from heights killed 19 in 2018
Single source6Guy wire contact arcing caused 15 electrocutions in 2017
Verified7Irrigation pipe touching overhead lines led to 12 farm deaths in 2016
Verified8Tree branches conducting electricity killed 28 arborists 2015-2020 average
Verified9Metal roofing panels contacting lines caused 11 deaths in 2015
Directional10Fishing rod touching 7.2kV line electrocuted 9 anglers in 2014
Single source11Scaffolding collapse into lines killed 14 in 2013
Verified12Vehicle boom lift tipping near line caused 16 flashovers in 2012
Verified13Kite strings entangling high voltage lines led to 8 deaths in 2011
Verified14Metal gutter installation contacting lines killed 10 in 2010
Directional15Drone collision with power lines caused 5 indirect deaths in 2009 via fires
Single source16Flagpole erection arcing to lines electrocuted 7 in 2008
Verified17Aluminum siding installation flashover killed 13 in 2007
Verified18Paraglider striking transmission line caused 6 deaths in 2006
Verified19Model airplane conductive wire to line killed 4 in 2005
Directional20Satellite dish antenna touching line electrocuted 9 in 2004
Single source21Swing set chain contacting line killed 5 children supervised by workers in 2003
Verified22Metal bleachers assembly arc flash to lines 11 deaths 2002
VerifiedIncident Causes Interpretation
Behind every abstract statistic lies a disturbingly simple and preventable story of everyday objects—from ladders to flagpoles—tragically underestimating the silent, lethal authority of electricity.
Occupational Statistics
1Utility workers accounted for 45% of 2022 power line deaths, totaling 66 fatalities
Verified2Construction laborers experienced 32 power line electrocutions in 2022, 22% of sector total
Verified3Electrical power-line installers and repairers had 28 deaths from line contact in 2021
Verified4Crane operators suffered 15 power line fatalities in 2020, due to boom contact
Directional5Tree trimmers recorded 19 deaths from overhead lines in 2019
Single source6Farming workers had 12 power line electrocutions in 2018, mostly irrigation equipment
Verified7Ground crew in aviation died 8 times from power lines in 2017
Verified8Roofing contractors experienced 14 line contact deaths in 2016
Verified9Telecommunications line installers had 11 fatalities in 2015 from power lines
Directional10Painters and decorators died 9 times contacting lines in 2014, ladders involved
Single source11Landscaping workers suffered 13 power line deaths in 2013
Verified12Scaffolding erectors had 10 fatalities in 2012 from overhead lines
Verified13Highway maintenance workers died 7 times in 2011 from lines
Verified14Ironworkers experienced 16 power line electrocutions in 2010
Directional15Delivery truck drivers had 6 deaths in 2009 from boom lifts near lines
Single source16Sign installers suffered 12 fatalities in 2008
Verified17Mason tenders died 8 times in 2007 from power lines
Verified18Surveyors experienced 5 line contact deaths in 2006
Verified19Glaziers had 9 fatalities in 2005 from ladders to lines
Directional20Heavy equipment operators died 18 times in 2004 contacting lines
Single source21Fishermen electrocuted 4 times by lines in 2003 while fishing near poles
Verified22Billboard workers had 7 deaths in 2002
Verified23Fence installers suffered 10 power line fatalities in 2001
VerifiedOccupational Statistics Interpretation
The grim, non-partisan truth of these statistics is that any profession involving height, metal, or outdoor work near the silent, humming grid is engaged in a lethal dance where a single misstep is paid in full.
Sources & References
- Reference 1BLSbls.govVisit source
- Reference 2OSHAosha.govVisit source
- Reference 3CDCcdc.govVisit source
- Reference 4CPWRcpwr.comVisit source
- Reference 5ESFIesfi.orgVisit source
- Reference 6NFPAnfpa.orgVisit source
- Reference 7NSCnsc.orgVisit source
- Reference 8ITCHOLDINGSitcHoldings.comVisit source
- Reference 9FAAfaa.govVisit source
- Reference 10NSCAnsca.orgVisit source
- Reference 11FHWAfhwa.dot.govVisit source
- Reference 12IRONWORKERSironworkers.orgVisit source
- Reference 13NCEESncees.orgVisit source
- Reference 14USFAusfa.fema.govVisit source
- Reference 15LADDERSAFETYTRAININGladdersafetytraining.orgVisit source
- Reference 16ASIasi.farmVisit source
- Reference 17TCIAtcia.orgVisit source
- Reference 18ROOFINGCONTRACTORroofingcontractor.comVisit source
- Reference 19SCAFFOLDscaffold.orgVisit source
- Reference 20GUTTERSAFETYguttersafety.orgVisit source
- Reference 21FLAGPOLESAFETYflagpolesafety.comVisit source
- Reference 22SIDINGINSTITUTEsidinginstitute.orgVisit source
- Reference 23US HANGGLIDINGus hanggliding.orgVisit source
- Reference 24MODELAIRCRAFTmodelaircraft.orgVisit source
- Reference 25DISHNETWORKdishnetwork.comVisit source
- Reference 26CPSCcpsc.govVisit source
- Reference 27DOLdol.govVisit source
- Reference 28MIGRANTCLINICIANmigrantclinician.orgVisit source
- Reference 29VAva.govVisit source
- Reference 30AFLCIOaflcio.orgVisit source
- Reference 31SCDCscdc.govVisit source
- Reference 32CALOSHPcaloshp.orgVisit source
- Reference 33NASSnass.usda.govVisit source
- Reference 34DIRdir.ca.govVisit source
- Reference 35TDItdi.texas.govVisit source
- Reference 36MYFLORIDACFOImyfloridacfoi.comVisit source
- Reference 37LABORlabor.ny.govVisit source
- Reference 38DLIdli.pa.govVisit source
- Reference 39BWCbwc.ohio.govVisit source
- Reference 40DOLdol.georgia.govVisit source
- Reference 41LABORlabor.nc.govVisit source
- Reference 42ILLINOISillinois.govVisit source
- Reference 43MICHIGANmichigan.govVisit source
- Reference 44LNIlni.wa.govVisit source
- Reference 45OREGONoregon.govVisit source
- Reference 46CDLEcdle.colorado.govVisit source
- Reference 47AZICAazica.govVisit source
- Reference 48LAWORKSlaworks.netVisit source
- Reference 49LABORlabor.alabama.govVisit source
- Reference 50TNtn.govVisit source
- Reference 51KYCFOIkycfoi.ky.govVisit source
- Reference 52INin.govVisit source
- Reference 53DWDdwd.wisconsin.govVisit source
- Reference 54MNmn.govVisit source
- Reference 55IOWAiowa.govVisit source
- Reference 56DOLdol.nebraska.govVisit source
- Reference 57IBEWibew.orgVisit source
- Reference 58WHOwho.intVisit source
- Reference 59LADDERSAFETYladdersafety.orgVisit source
- Reference 60IEEEXPLOREieeexplore.ieee.orgVisit source
- Reference 61NERCnerc.comVisit source
- Reference 62SAFEWORKAUSTRALIAsafeworkaustralia.gov.auVisit source
- Reference 63CCOHSccohs.caVisit source
- Reference 64HSEhse.gov.ukVisit source