Sunken Utility Pole Hole Hazard Mitigated Through Environmental Hazard Detection

Customer

AEP

Highlights

  • Hidden Trip Hazard Detected in Time
  • Fast Reporting Enabled Same-Day Remediation
  • Reinforced Value of Post-Storm Ride-Outs

Weather-Exposed Hazards: How Routine ROW Checks Prevented a Hidden Site Injury Risk

The Challenge

During a routine inspection behind a clipping crew, a field technician observed a sunken hole in the right-of-way (ROW) where an old utility pole had once stood. Recent wet weather and sustained rainfall had caused the abandoned pole hole to erode and collapse. The depression was no longer visible from a distance due to surrounding grass and mud—creating a trip hazard for crews and a leg entrapment risk for livestock in the vicinity. This hazard had developed quietly, likely due to environmental conditions rather than human oversight, and presented a latent risk to both field workers and landowner property.

The Solution

The technician took immediate steps:
  • Site Verification: Carefully examined the depression and its surroundings to assess its depth and severity.
  • Immediate Communication: Called the job site supervisor, clearly explaining the risk to personnel and livestock.
  • Rapid Response: The supervisor deployed a crew to backfill the sunken pole hole the same day, mitigating the risk before any incidents occurred.

Key Benefits

  • Prevented Injury or Animal Harm: Addressed a hidden hazard before it caused harm to a crew member or livestock.
  • Environmental Awareness in Action: Demonstrated how site conditions can evolve quickly due to extreme weather—and why vigilance matters.
  • Rapid Mitigation Through Clear Communication: Fast reporting and action prevented delays or escalation.
  • Improved ROW Monitoring Protocols: Highlighted the value of post-weather ride-outs and back-checks after major rainfall.

The Results

  • No injuries or accidents occurred.
  • The hazard was neutralized within hours of discovery.
  • The event is now used to emphasize environmental hazard awareness and the importance of inspecting ROW areas not directly tied to current work zones.

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