Zero On-the-Job Fatalities Reported in 2014- For the second year in a row, IBEW Local 1245 has not recorded an on-the-job fatality among its active members. In years past, reported fatality rates ran as high as five in a single year, which is what occurred in 2011. The union recorded four fatalities in 2008, and three in the years 2009 and 2003. As of the end of 2014, the toll increased by one, to a total of 26 member fatalities over the past 11 years, due to the death of a tree trimmer who was killed while working on a side job on his own time. This fatality is a sad testament that safety knows no time clock, on or off the job.
OSHA 300 Log Requests– The Local 1245 Health and Safety committee has embarked on an effort to request OSHA 300 logs from represented employers. The purpose of the request is to study and report serious injuries and fatalities and ultimately report them to the IBEW International on the website via Form 173. The committee wishes to thank the business representatives who provided contacts so that the formal requests can be made. 35 companies have been identified and requests will be sent during the month of January.
Eight Serious Injuries Reported in 2014- During the year 2014, eight serious injuries were reported to IBEW International Organization by Local 1245. Two injuries were employees struck by vehicles, two primary contact/arc flash incidences, two tree trimmer falls, one lineman struck by a flying object and one gas welder who sustained an eye injury.
–Rich Lane, IBEW 1245 Safety Rep