Abstract: A construction crew was using a Case backhoe-loader (Model No. 580K). The backhoe operator moved the backhoe under a 240/120-volt overhead power line, and the boom contacted the power line. The boom damaged the line conductors and a weatherhead. The conductors broke away from the weatherhead, and the operator jumped off the backhoe. Fortunately, no one was injured. An employee that was allegedly being used as a spotter was about 7.6 to 9.1 meters away from the backhoe at the time of the accident. He had been hand shoveling when the accident occurred. The employer had contacted the owner of the overhead telephone and alarm lines before this incident.