NOTE TO EDITORS: A video news release is available at 1:30 p.m. CDT, Monday, April 9; satellite coordinates are at the end of this release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 9, 2012 — "I said, 'O my gosh Tom, you've just killed yourself,' and I knew that I had made a grievous error and I was going to pay the consequences," explains Tom Dickey, an experienced contractor from Auburn, IL, who suffered life-changing burns and injuries when he came into contact with underground power lines.
One day at a construction site in 2002, a small job was added to the day's work – after Tom's safety gear had already been sent back to the shop. He took a chance and made a decision in favor of time and efficiency instead of safety to go ahead and dig a 40-foot section of conduit.
This decision almost cost him his life. As an experienced professional he knew all of the correct procedures, but he made a small slip and received a high-voltage shock. He survived; however, he spent months in the hospital and still lives with pain every day.
Tom teamed up with Safe Electricity's "Teach Learn Care TLC" campaign to share the message, "Please, safety first."
April is Safe Digging Month across the United States and an opportune time to increase awareness about the importance of contacting 8-1-1 before digging into any outdoor projects this spring. It is a free call and service.
"People have got to understand that when you deal with electricity and you do silly things, it changes your life," cautions Tom.
"We commend Tom and his family for their willingness to help prevent other tragic accidents with underground utilities," says Molly Hall, executive director of the Safe Electricity program. "We encourage everyone to see the video of Tom's story at SafeElectricity.org and to learn all of the vital information one must know at call811.com before putting even a shovel in the ground."
Satellite Coordinates:
Slug: National Dig Safety Month
Date: 4/9/12
Time: 1:30 PM(CDT) – 1:45 PM(CDT)
Satellite: AMC 15KU
Transponder: 01
Slot: C9
Downlink Frequency: 11724.5
Downlink Polarization: V
Bandwidth: 9 MHz
Symbol Rate: 3.978729
FEC: 3 / 4
Data Rate: 5.5
For technical assistance call IOCI Media Services-Satellite at 217-785-5499.
Note: More details, including photos, are available at http://www.SafeElectricity.org in the Newsroom.
Contact: Kyla Kruse, 217-546-6815
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