T&TEC linesman electrocuted on job

[CPOPE]

T&TEC linesman electrocuted on job

'...all safety measures in place'

By Susan Mohammed susan.mohammed@trinidadexpress.com Story Created: Jan 18, 2012 at 12:01 AM ECT (Story Updated: Jan 18, 2012 at 12:01 AM ECT )

A 42-year-old Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) employee was electrocuted on the job yesterday.

Gary "Boysie" Patterson, a linesman in the Hotline division, was electrocuted while working on an electrical line along the Penal/Quinam Road, Penal.

A media release from T&TEC yesterday stated that Patterson was installing a new Air Break switch around 11 a.m. when he was burnt.

He was rushed for medical assistance at the Siparia Health Facility, but was pronounced dead.

The release stated, "Initial reports indicate that the necessary safety measures which protect a worker on a live connection were in place at the time.

"However an immediate investigation has been launched to ascertain what occurred in this situation."

The Express was told that Patterson, who was wearing all his safety equipment, came into contact with 12,000 volts of electricity.

Patterson, of Worrell Road, Robert Village, Tableland, was employed with T&TEC for eight and half years and was assigned to the Southern Distribution Area.

At Patterson's home yesterday, his mother Phyllis Patterson said he was a model son. She said his brother, David, was also employed at T&TEC, and his father, Lionel, was a retired employee of the company.

She said Patterson would have celebrated his 43rd birthday on Sunday, together with his younger twin sisters.

Brother Earl Patterson, 36, said his brother gave him a lift from Tableland to his work place, hours before he died.

Patterson was married to primary school teacher, Carleen, with a a 19-year-old daughter, Shantal.

Patterson was also manager of the T&TEC South Zone Reserve football team. A game scheduled for yesterday was postponed.

Last September, T&TEC craftsman Richie Rivers, 23, was electrocuted while working on an electricity pole in Tunapuna. Rivers lived at El Guanapo Estate, Rio Claro.

A T&TEC internal investigation found four senior employees "culpable" for the death of Rivers.

Two were dismissed and two suspended.

[rob8210]

condolences to his family