17.08.2011

Man electrocuted in lift

The owner of a siding contractor died on Monday after he came into contact with an overhead power line as he operated an aerial lift in Frindley, Minnesota.

The man Rich Hennen, 51, of Hennen Siding was operating the lift while working on an apartment complex in the Twin Cities suburb, when he inadvertently touched the overhead power lines with the back of his neck. He is reported to have died almost instantly due to the high voltages involved.

A statement from the utility involved, Xcel Energy, said that one of its crews was on site at the time of the accident, preparing to cut power to the building before any work was started. The statement continued: "We are cooperating fully with the authorities in their investigation. Safety of the public and our employees is our top priority, and we remind people to always keep a safe distance away from power lines."

We do not know what type of lift was involved, although we do know that Hennen used a variety of lifts for siding and flashing installation, including scissors.