Safety is paramount in any electrical construction project. Prior to beginning a cable pull, a site-specific safety plan must be in place, including:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All personnel must wear appropriate PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility vests, and insulated gloves.

• Hazard Identification: A thorough risk assessment should identify all potential hazards, such as live circuits, overhead power lines, other underground utilities, and hazardous manual handling tasks.

• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): All circuits in the work area must be de-energized and follow LOTO procedures to prevent accidental energization.

• Exclusion Zones: Set up secure, clearly marked exclusion zones around all machinery, especially winches and hydraulic pullers, to keep unauthorized personnel at a safe distance.

• Communication Plan: Establish a clear communication protocol among all team members, especially those at the pulling and feeding ends of the cable, to ensure a coordinated and controlled operation.