

Customer
AEP
Location
West Virginia
Highlights
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Critical Structural Risk Caught Before Collapse
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Rapid Hazard Escalation and Site Protection
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Promotes Field Culture of Structural Awareness
Spotting the Hidden Threat: How a Broken Pole Was Caught Before It Caused Harm
The Challenge
The Solution
- Hazard Escalation The broken pole was immediately reported to the supervisor for evaluation and next steps.
- Site Marking The area was clearly marked to restrict access and prevent accidental interaction by crews or equipment.
- Replacement Initiated A replacement pole was requested and scheduled to ensure the project could resume safely and without delay.
Key Benefits
- Injury Prevention: Proactive detection helped eliminate a critical field hazard before an incident could occur.
- Operational Continuity: The quick response enabled the team to continue work safely with minimal disruption.
- Field Safety Culture Reinforced: The event encouraged all personnel to assess structures actively—not just assume they're in working condition.
- Asset Feedback Loop: Highlighted the need to reassess aging and under-classed infrastructure in current or future ROW scopes.
The Results
- No injuries or equipment damage occurred.
- Replacement efforts were set in motion without delaying other site activities.
- The case is now used in safety discussions to promote visual inspection and hazard escalation protocols in ROW projects.