Livingston County construction workers hospitalized after electrocution

Two construction workers were left in critical condition Thursday after they were electrocuted at a site in Livingston County, officials said.

At approximately 12:30 p.m., Livingston County Sheriff's Office deputies and Brighton Area Fire personnel were dispatched to the commercial construction site on Latson Road south of Grand River Avenue in Genoa Township on a report of an industrial accident, authorities said.

The preliminary investigation revealed employees at the site were pouring concrete when a boom spreader came into contact with a primary power line, causing it to break and fall, authorities said. Two workers on the ground were struck by the falling power line.

Both were transported to the University of Michigan Hospital in critical condition by Livingston County EMS, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Deputies were assisted on the scene by DTE, authorities said. The incident was turned over to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

No additional information regarding victims or the company was released.

"Our thoughts are with these men and their families," said Dana St. Coeur, DTE senior communications strategist, in a statement. "DTE will work closely with officials as the investigation continues into this heartbreaking event."

The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reported last December that in 2023, among all industry sectors, construction had the highest number of fatal work injuries, accounting for 1,075 injuries since 2011. The "Fatal Four" leading causes of construction deaths are falls, being crushed between objects, being struck by equipment and being electrocuted.

In 2021, electrocution accounted for 8% of construction worker deaths, according to the Texas Department of Insurance.

For workplace safety and safety around powerlines, DTE recommends that those working around power lines and operating heavy equipment should be aware of the location of power lines before operating large vehicles; stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines and assume they are live and dangerous; remain inside the vehicle and call 911 if a power line falls on the vehicle. If exiting the vehicle is necessary, DTE advises jumping out with both feet together, landing firmly and shuffling away without lifting them off the ground.