Service Engineer Critically Injured After Boom Lift Contacts Power Lines in Tlaquepaque
Updated: Nov 6
30 Second Takeaway
A service engineer in his early 20s was critically injured after a reported electrical incident involving a 48-foot Runshare articulated boom lift in Tlaquepaque, Mexico. He was reportedly testing the machine in a rental company’s yard when the platform came too close to overhead power lines. The worker was reportedly ejected and fell approximately five to six metres, suffering serious burns and injuries from the fall. He was taken to hospital and remains in critical condition, according to the information available.
Incident Overview
Tlaquepaque, Guadalajara, Mexico
A service engineer was critically injured while reportedly testing a Runshare articulated boom lift in the yard of a general rental company. The yard is crossed by overhead power lines, and the platform was reportedly raised close to them.
The man, described as being in his early 20s, suffered an electrical shock and fell an estimated five to six metres. He was taken to hospital with serious burns and other injuries.
What Happened
Based on information available at the time of publication:
A service engineer was reportedly testing a 48-foot Runshare articulated boom lift in a rental company’s yard.
The yard had overhead power lines crossing its frontage.
The platform reportedly came too close to the lines, resulting in an electrical shock.
The worker was reportedly ejected from the platform.
He fell approximately five to six metres to the ground.
He was taken to hospital with serious burns and other injuries.
His condition was reported as critical.
What Is Known
Equipment involved: 48-foot Runshare articulated boom lift
Incident type: Reported electrical contact or close approach followed by a fall
Location: Tlaquepaque, Guadalajara, Mexico
Work activity: Machine testing in a rental company’s yard
Hazard: Overhead power lines
Fall distance: Approximately five to six metres, according to the initial report
Injuries: Serious burns and injuries from the fall
Condition: Reported in critical condition
Investigation status: No further investigation details were available in the information provided
Early Observations
The initial account indicates that the boom lift was being tested in a yard with overhead power lines. It has not been established whether the platform or boom contacted a line directly, or whether the electrical shock occurred through another form of proximity or arcing.
The report also states that the worker was ejected from the platform and fell. The circumstances of the ejection, the machine’s configuration and the use of fall-protection equipment have not been confirmed. The cause of the incident remains undetermined.
Why This Incident Was Possible
Testing a boom lift near overhead power lines can expose workers to severe electrical hazards. Electricity may arc across a gap, so avoiding direct contact alone may not be sufficient to keep people safe.
A rental yard also presents the risk of routine machine movements taking place near fixed overhead hazards. Safe testing requires the power-line locations and required clearances to be identified before the boom is raised, with the test area controlled to prevent the machine from entering a hazardous zone.
Industry Reminder
Overhead power lines should be treated as energized unless the utility has confirmed otherwise. Before operating or testing a MEWP near lines, crews should identify the lines, determine the applicable safe approach distance and ensure the machine can be used without entering that distance.
IPAF’s free guidance on the safe use of MEWPs in the vicinity of power lines is available at ipaf.org/en-gb/resource-library/safe-use-mewps-vicinity-power-lines.
If a machine contacts or may have contacted a power line, workers on the ground should stay clear and contact emergency services and the utility. The machine and surrounding ground may be energized until the power is confirmed off.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane, access-equipment and lifting-related incidents to support industry awareness and learning.
This article is based on information available at the time of publication. The circumstances of the electrical incident and fall have not been confirmed.
How MEWP Electrical Incidents Can Be Prevented
Identify overhead lines before testing
Survey the work area and mark power lines and other electrical hazards before positioning or raising a MEWP.
Maintain required separation distances
Follow applicable regulations, utility guidance and manufacturer instructions. Allow for boom movement and possible line sway when establishing the work zone.
De-energize or relocate when needed
Where safe clearance cannot be maintained, arrange for the power lines to be de-energized or select a testing location away from them.
Control the test area
Use a designated area with clear access and sufficient space to raise and operate the machine without approaching overhead hazards.
Use trained personnel and a planned test procedure
Ensure the person operating or testing the lift understands its controls, the site hazards and the steps for stopping work if conditions change.
Prepare for an electrical emergency
Keep workers on the ground away from a potentially energized machine and establish a clear procedure for contacting emergency services and the utility
