Somber Day

Today started out like most. I "Woke up" and took my shower, headed off to work. Made my pot of coffee as I do most mornings while in the office. As I headed out to the plant floor to talk with all the guys and see what concerns they had for the day and to see what I could do to help them out.

Before I got out of the office I was pulled aside by one of the supervisors. He said to me, "Did you hear about Lewis?" (names changed) "No, what about Lewis" I said.

"He was the one who got electrocuted yesterday." The supervisor continued to tell me what transpired when the Plant manager told the entire plant. "Lewis" passed away as a result of his electrocution. Lewis was putting up a portable garage on his cottage property. While putting a post in the ground he hit an underground power line causing his body to fry under the continuous surge of electricity passing through his body. A relative was standing by watching helplessly. The power could not be shut off until the power company could come out a turn off the power.

So with a heavy heart I made my through the plant talking with the employee's some of which worked with Lewis for over 30 years. I only worked with him for 16, but still felt a great loss. With every tragedy there seems to be a lesson. Te lesson I see here is a simple phone call to diggers hotline would have prevented this useless death. Another lesson could also be applied as well. Make sure you can look at all the hazards in the area with which you are working. If you are using an aluminum ladder be sure there are no power lines above.

Time will ease this mood from my memory but it will never bring Lewis back.